MOA messed up bad in my book

[ballen262]

New to this 4m, and very first rally for me at age 36, second year owner of a 02 r1150rt, and when I heard of the Peak of America tour that was going to be done, I knew this was going to be great.

I will have spent so far over couple thousand dollars and lots of time away from my business doing this tour, and when I got my pin I was very excited and when I saw a high mileage award it was a no brainier that some old timer would get it, but I knew based on the reading of the information on the peak tour that the ones who did the tour would get recognized in the closing ceremonies, as I was sitting their in the stands I could not believe the individual who gave the high mileage award away did not take the time to recognize the ONLY 125 or so people that was able to do the tour.

You would think that if you advertise and hype up the peak tour you would at lease have the ones who did do the tour as little as their was to be able to do it, and have them stand and be recognized by it.

To take the time and recognize the ones who attended based on age or mileage you name it, they should of done so for the 125 or so that did the Peak Tour.

Dont get me wrong, what I did myself, solo at that, I will never forget.

But I do know I dont need to pay a yearly fee to MOA and be apart of an organization that cant even take the time to recognize the ones who took 3 plus weeks, money, time away from family, time from work, to do a """""""ONCE IN A LIFETIME HYPED UP TRY AND GET PEOPLE TO MORE RALLYS TO GET YOU TO SPEND MONEY"""""

If all they said in the advertisement to this peak tour was to just get a pin, and that is it, then I would be ok with it, but go read exactly what was advertised on the Peak tour page, and you tell me if they recognized the 125 souls at closing ceremonies, all they said was the ones who where walking around with a pin.

Please anyone please feel free to help me understand why they take the time to recognize a 5 year old who rode in with there father to the rally, call her by name, and not take the time to recognize 125 people not by name, but just have us stand up who where wearing a pin and be recognized.

DONT GET IT.

IN A YEAR OR SO FROM NOW WILL ANYONE REALLY KNOW WHAT THE PEAK OF AMERICA TOUR WAS ABOUT, I DONT THINK ANYONE WILL.
REMEMBER IT WAS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME DEAL, RIGHT. :sick

[Hodag]

REMEMBER IT WAS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME DEAL, RIGHT. :sick


you will never do the exact same thing twice

did you enjoy it?

wish I could have done it,,,,,,

[ballen262]

you will never do the exact same thing twice

did you enjoy it?

wish I could have done it,,,,,,
As I did say, I will never forget what I did, and the things and people I met was great, but for this one, and not being an old fart, I felt it was the one thing I would get recognized for.

I wore the pin on my hat the whole time, and not one person asked me about it, and really notice it, but I knew at closing ceremonies that once they took the time to show how many really did it 125 or so, that the pin I did wear around what it really did mean.

I did have a great time, but for certain things in life you do it for that reason you doing it for, and when someone does not do their part in recognising the one thing they hype up about on this peak tour, its people like me who needs to speak up and share how they feel.

It would of been very easy and less than a minute or so to have us stand to be recognized, its not hard at all.

I own a business, and when I dont take the time to recognize the customer I loose their business.

[Unregistered]

Same ole same ole at the awards ceremony. There's always ON.

[Hodag]

As I did say, I will never forget what I did, and the things and people I met was great, but for this one, and not being an old fart, I felt it was the one thing I would get recognized for.

I recognize yah, and the fowrum will too

now do a ride report 15 pages 100 photos take me along....

wish I could have

[Rich]

I own a business, and when I dont take the time to recognize the customer I loose their business.

Sorry, but I don't see you as a customer. The POA you did was a personal achievement, something you yourself chose to do. So you spent a couple thousand and had a good time (it's called a vacation), why do you think you should be recognized for it. Put it this way, if you had known up front that you weren't going to get this "special" recognition, would you have not done it?

When people do something just for the recognition, maybe they ought to just do nothing at all.

By the way, congratulations on your achievement.

[vtpaul]

If you're in this for some sort of public recognition, you're in it for the wrong reason.

[Unregistered]

Thanks for not reading 125 more names. I'll read them in ON.

[BradfordBenn]

As the Awards and Tally Chair Person for the MOA Rally, I was involved in some of the ceremony. I know that one of the concerns was to keep the closing ceremony succinct. Other attendees have complained that they have gone on too long for their preferences. It is always a balancing act to meet the desires of all the people.

To me the recognition in ON will last longer then the award ceremony for an accomplishment for something such as the Peaks of America. I congratulate you on your accomplishment.

[ballen262]

Thanks for the replies everyone so far, but I hope you all see this as not just me but for the other 125 others as well.

I only feel that I deserve what was advertised by the MOA page on the POA nothing more.

Please take the time to read every word they wrote into it, in the second to last paragraph they state more than one award for the POA, when they only gave one away.

Trust me all when I say that I will never forget what I did, and my own accomplishment, NEVER.

Nothing is perfect, but what I say does it make any difference when we go into a restaurant and knowing they serve food served the way they advertise and get nothing as advertised.

Everyone was recognized as a whole for being their, and they didn't advertise they where going to recognize everyone for being their, we just know they will thank us, what make me any different when I say the ones who did the POA should be recognized as well, especially when they advertised that they would recognize us in closing ceremonies.

out of 9000 who attended Vermont, 1000 who attended Boise, 1000 who attended Paonia, only 125 did the POA, that should be recognized more, and it wasn't.

Please dont take what I say as being mad, just affected, and hoping someone will bring some better feelings to me on this.

[ballen262]

As the Awards and Tally Chair Person for the MOA Rally, I was involved in some of the ceremony. I know that one of the concerns was to keep the closing ceremony succinct. Other attendees have complained that they have gone on too long for their preferences. It is always a balancing act to meet the desires of all the people.

To me the recognition in ON will last longer then the award ceremony for an accomplishment for something such as the Peaks of America. I congratulate you on your accomplishment.

And when the ON comes out, we will see how well they do reconize the ones who did this, as well as all the others who did what they did.

[ballen262]

If you're in this for some sort of public recognition, you're in it for the wrong reason.
Many reasons I was in this for, many, and also for what was advertised, and just because all the good I take from it, should not be used to excuse one or several for not doing as advertised.

Just want to share this one for all, I was invited to go to Nova Scotia right after this Vermont rally, but because of the time and money I took to do Boise I cant do Nova Scotia.

If I knew for a fact that all that was going to happen was a PIN and the longest mileage award then I would of only did Paonia and Vermont as I hate Boise as I been there many times, and I live in Idaho.

But I did the POA based on the hype in the POA page talking about this once in a lifetime thing, I see it now as a way to get people to the other rallys, and when they found out only 125 did the POA, it got put on the back burner, and they decided to only give away the long mileage award.

[vtpaul]

Are you sure you didn't do Nova Scotia because there was no public recognition in it?

I stand by what I said.

[ballen262]

Are you sure you didn't do Nova Scotia because there was no public recognition in it?

I stand by what I said.
I own an auto body repair shop with a towing business with it, add up three weeks, and three weekends, and if you know business you will know that I do need to get back.

You say public recognition, I see it as when someone sees the pins that 125 got for doing what they did they say "only 125 did the POA" and he is one of them, and I wish I had been able to do that.

Instead of them looking at it and saying what was that pin for, or comments like Peaks of America tour, what was that.
REMEMBER THIS WAS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME THING.

What I am talking about vtpaul is respect for what one does, not like how your trying to make me out to be, as if I am being ignorant for myself.

I said to every vendor and person I met, "thanks for being here for me".

Its called respect, and recognizing what others do for others.

After the closing ceremonies and how I felt, all I want to do now is see my family again, my two kids that have missed me so much.

Thanks vtpaul for your constructive criticism, but I also stand by what I am saying as well. :thumb

[NurseRick]

ballen262,

For what it's worth, I think you deserve recognition in a public manner. I hope the ON will do better at it than the closing ceremonies. I couldn't even make one of the three rallies this year, so personally I think you have really done something that I know I would have loved to do but could not for various reasons.

Another good reason to make a big deal out of the POA tour is that it was a join effort with BMW RA. You'd think that would have been a big moment for MOA and I hope it is. Compared to some other brands, our little troupe is pretty small and the two clubs should work together for the good of both, in my humble opinion.

Sincerely,
Nurse Rick :bikes

[ballen262]

ballen262,

For what it's worth, I think you deserve recognition in a public manner. I hope the ON will do better at it than the closing ceremonies. I couldn't even make one of the three rallies this year, so personally I think you have really done something that I know I would have loved to do but could not for various reasons.

Another good reason to make a big deal out of the POA tour is that it was a join effort with BMW RA. You'd think that would have been a big moment for MOA and I hope it is. Compared to some other brands, our little troupe is pretty small and the two clubs should work together for the good of both, in my humble opinion.

Sincerely,
Nurse Rick :bikes

And again the point of "this is a once in a lifetime deal" comes out in your words Nurse rick, but not only should I have been noticed but also the other 124 or so who did take the time to follow the POA rules should of been recognized by all.

When you take the time to align all the rallies and post it on the MOA site and call it the POA, that in it self should be talked about the most as it was done from what I hear as to bring the three organizations together on common ground.

Coming together as friends different riders from different areas is what it is all about.

Answer this question, I was a solo rider to this POA wanting to meet people and the people I was sitting next to in the closing ceremonies, how many of the people sitting close to me would of wanted to talk to me and ask about my experience if they saw that I was apart of this POA, I talking people sitting several seats up or down, that normally I would of not been able to talk to had they been closer to me.

Most people will not just walk up to someone walking by and say "hey guess what I did the last three weeks" though I like too, but ya just dont do it or they would look at you as a weardo.

But any person I did meet, I shared it all with them, but who did I not be able to share it with because no one really knew about it.

Remember I wore my three pins from each rally and the POA pin on my hat the whole rally, and not one person asked about the POA pin, not one.

Thanks Nurse for your honest words.

I am headed home to Idaho, and back to my family, I will check back in with ya all when I get home, I do plan on calling the MOA, and asking why it was done this way as so that I can make my decission if I stay a member or not.
Thanks all.

[Oscar Wilde]

The only thing worse than being talked about, is not being talked about.

[GSCookeMnster]

I really can't believe how juevinile this is. Hey, look at me, hey nobody is looking, now I'm mad, hey look at me. If you did the ride as a personal challenge, then you are happy with what you've accomplished. However, I think you did the ride so that you could beat your chest and say look at me. So now you're upset that you did get that chance.

I enjoyed the rally closing, but after the long distance awards and oldest awards, I felt these categories were created just to give more awards. And frankly, from the moans around me, I think that we are getting a little carried away with awards.

But it was a great rally, and an hour for give-aways and closing remarks is long enough. I just wish that all who volunteered got to stand up and be recognized, not just the first 185 volunteers. After all, I was promised some type of recongition, and all I got was a volunteer pin.

Brian

[Mika]

Did you write a letter to the rally chairmen and the POA committee or is public bashing your gig?

I can appreciate your personal sense of what your tour cost you in time and money. I was not able to make the tour because of family commitments and frankly my business is not doing as well as yours is this year. I could not have afforded to take the time off, I do not have any staff to leave in charge of my one man shop. I don't have a lot of sympathy for what you spent, sorry.

I have been a member for 14 years now and have yet to be able to make a rally. I really wanted to go this year. Perhaps I will remember when I go to the Rally in WI that it is not all about me and I won't be as disappointed as you seem to be.

In good years I have been able to afford month long trips. The value of the first and all the others was in what I learned on the ride. I hope you learn to enjoy the ride.

[j-budimlya]

All you have left is great memories....

I hope after you have a chance to reflect on this, that you realize that you did this for your own personal reasons....you tested yourself...and you finished it....and you have a great feeling of accomplishment.....

That feeling is all you should ever expect from such a ride.....

And in the end, it will be what you will feel good about...

There were thousands of folks at the rally from all over the world...many who spend more $$ than you to get thereand many who spent less....and many who made longer trips than you did and certainly many who traveled shorter distances.....each in their own way they felt a sense of accomplishment...and the vast majority did not do this for any recognition....

I hope that you will only have great memories from this trip.....

And soon, you begin to get the itch....and start the planning of you next adventure....have you riden to Alaska yet??

[vtmarmota]

It's all about the ride!

[Unregistered]

What do you want, a cookie?

[Belg]

What do you want, a cookie?

If you're going to be an *******, at least have the courtesy of registerring instead of posting anonymously. It took a pair of big steel ones to do that ride, and my lid's off to those who did it... and those still returning from it.

Carry on..

[SheRidesABeemer]

http://home.comcast.net/~sheridesabeemer/goodjob.gif

[Belg]

http://home.comcast.net/~sheridesabeemer/goodjob.gif

Hhahaha I love that one, a few people at the office have it! Or one just like it, anyhow...

Was nice meeting you up there!

Mark

[bgkk75s]

I'm jealous that I wasn't able to make the POA ride. It sounds like it would have been a great trip. Maybe you should write an article about the trip for the MOA news to share your experience with any pictures you took along the way.

[jdiaz]

I have been a member for 14 years now and have yet to be able to make a rally.
Are you and marK11LT having a contest to see who can attend the fewest events? I've already won that award and you guys aren't even close. :laugh

[Bobmws]

If you can hold this feeling until next year, I'm sure there will be some cheese in Wisconsin..... :stick

[Unregistered]

If you're going to be an *******, at least have the courtesy of registerring instead of posting anonymously. It took a pair of big steel ones to do that ride, and my lid's off to those who did it... and those still returning from it.

Carry on..
I'd register if I could, but the system seems to have an issue.

Anyway, the point is still valid. If I had participated in the Peaks Tour, I would have had an enormous sense of personal accomplishment; that in itself would have been reward enough. I just don't have much use for glory hunters.


Tom Steele
Montgomery Village, MD

[Belg]

I'd register if I could, but the system seems to have an issue.

Anyway, the point is still valid. If I had participated in the Peaks Tour, I would have had an enormous sense of personal accomplishment; that in itself would have been reward enough. I just don't have much use for glory hunters.


Tom Steele
Montgomery Village, MD

Thanks for the stand-up, Neighbor. Everyone has a view, I just hate anonymous ones. :) Carry on..

Personal view... they could have done more given the pumping it was given, but hey... the personal accomplishment is the REAL reward... and maybe some stock in gold-bond cream.

Just wish I could have done it, the tales I heard were great!

Mark Salowitz
Front Royal, VA

[boomyr]

Are you and marK11LT having a contest to see who can attend the fewest events? I've already won that award and you guys aren't even close. :laugh


FINALLY...some recognition for not attending! ...and you thought your absense was going unnoticed.

[Unregistered]

I think they read your name at the closing ceremony.

[Rob Nye]

Greetings,

Just so you know we gutted the closing ceremony because of the weather.

45 minutes before the ceremony we were discussing alternatives if we had to cancel. There were storm cells moving through the area with high winds, driving rain and lightning. One fallback was to simply stand up and call numbers, the other was to have a drawing at the office in St. Louis in a week and webcast it. We would have had to clear the grandstands if any of these cells were going to pass directly over the site; we had people monitoring weather radar and the facility had a local weather guy providing updates every five minutes.

We hacked a bunch of fluff and asked every presenter to keep it as brief as possible to give us the best shot at giving out all the grand prizes.

I am sorry all the folks who completed the POA tour were not recognized and thanked for participating. As the person who came up with the idea I would have liked it to get more attention, however knowing 160 or so people enjoyed the experience is plenty.

Thanks for riding the POA and thank you for joining us in Vermont.

Best,

[Hodag]

Are you and marK11LT having a contest to see who can attend the fewest events? I've already won that award and you guys aren't even close. :laugh


I went to the dells one year and the free port rally for a night, thats the extent of my "rallies"

[samtheeagle]

Greetings,

Just so you know we gutted the closing ceremony because of the weather.

We hacked a bunch of fluff and asked every presenter to keep it as brief as possible to give us the best shot at giving out all the grand prizes.

Thanks for riding the POA and thank you for joining us in Vermont.

Best,

I'm a first time rally attender. IMHO the closing ceremonies were basically fine. I would have been bored if they had gone on much longer.

Great job!

- Sam

[Emoto]

And again the point of "this is a once in a lifetime deal" comes out in your words Nurse rick, but not only should I have been noticed but also the other 124 or so who did take the time to follow the POA rules should of been recognized by all.

When you take the time to align all the rallies and post it on the MOA site and call it the POA, that in it self should be talked about the most as it was done from what I hear as to bring the three organizations together on common ground.

Coming together as friends different riders from different areas is what it is all about.

Answer this question, I was a solo rider to this POA wanting to meet people and the people I was sitting next to in the closing ceremonies, how many of the people sitting close to me would of wanted to talk to me and ask about my experience if they saw that I was apart of this POA, I talking people sitting several seats up or down, that normally I would of not been able to talk to had they been closer to me.

Most people will not just walk up to someone walking by and say "hey guess what I did the last three weeks" though I like too, but ya just dont do it or they would look at you as a weardo.

But any person I did meet, I shared it all with them, but who did I not be able to share it with because no one really knew about it.

Remember I wore my three pins from each rally and the POA pin on my hat the whole rally, and not one person asked about the POA pin, not one.

Thanks Nurse for your honest words.

I am headed home to Idaho, and back to my family, I will check back in with ya all when I get home, I do plan on calling the MOA, and asking why it was done this way as so that I can make my decission if I stay a member or not.
Thanks all.

No offense pal, but I think you are taking all of this WAY too seriously. I do various things and couldn't care less about public recognition. In fact, I actively avoid it. Rob has now posted why things were cut our of the closing ceremony, so hopefully, you're happy.

Any more crying out of you and I am placing a call for the:

http://emoto.smugmug.com/photos/76726638-L.jpg

[PacWestGS]

http://emoto.smugmug.com/photos/76726638-L.jpg


:ha :ha :ha

Do they have any "Monkey Butt Cream" in that... I sure could use some (not really).

Hey, I did the POA, I knew from the beginning it was all about "ME". I'm happy with what I did and hey, I got a cool pin, that cost about $1.00 (.35)

I'm one of 125-1?? in the whole world that has one, pretty cool ain't it? :thumb

Russ

Panniers by Jesse, Top Box by Igloo

[PAULBACH]

They were neither too long or too short - just right. I think most people came to see if they won a prize. If a lot of detail or names are needed then read ON or go to this forum.

KISS :wave

[kbasa]

The intention was to get folks out riding their bikes. If you were looking for something to do for a few weeks that involved BMW motorcycles, BMW motorcycle riders and three rallies, it was there.

Additionally, we're hoping that the cooperation the RA and the MOA exhibited will be the harbinger of a new era of cooperation between the two clubs. I met with both the Pres and VP of the RA and we're all equally excited about working together for the benefit of all BMW riders.

If you were looking for recognition, you got a pin and a Tshirt. I'm sorry you anticipated some kind of huge recognition at the closing ceremonies. I believe we announced what the POA was about, that we had a bunch of folks that did it and that we had one guy that turned it into a significant trek.

Later, when you're sitting around a campfire, someone might ask you what that pin is for. If you're into this for some kind of recognition, you're in it for the wrong reasons.

Just my personal opinions, man. :buds

[PacWestGS]

I can't wait to share all my pictures, of the great time I had, and great people I met along the way... Had some great rides too both on and off-road...

http://SFDOC.smugmug.com/photos/84585269-M.jpg

Doc

[Callmethebreeze]

Congratulations to Russ, Ballen and the other 123 participants on their accomplishment. I applaud and respect your commitment and tenacity.
I'm sure that the time you spent engaged in the POA Tour was well worth the effort. Beyond the personal rewards of completing such a journey, there will be further recognition in the form of an ON article and/or report;posting on the webpage; various threads on the Forum and of course the personal cache of telling stories around the campfire of every future Rally that you attend.
Personally, I'm not much of a "pin in the hat" inspector. My focus is generally on the "head in the hat" i.e. can I relate to this person to find out more about him/her? I met some really great people at this Rally. Some of them actually post on this Forum. If someone had told me that they had done the POA, I would have been all ears.
What I am trying to say is that the POA was a personal journey done for its own sake versus some other public gain. As far as future rallies, who knows if this idea will catch on to link several events culminating in the National. It sounds intriguing.
I believe that having someone's respect trumps getting a call out from the stage at the National...........

Breeze

[PAULBACH]

You can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time but you just cannot please all of the people all of the time.

The rally set a record for attendance. And then there was that $11,000 donated to the Camp for Kids with Cancer.

For me that was the most impressive statistic at the rally putting the lie to the only cheap thing about a BMW is the rider. :clap

[Cliffy777]

ballen262 I find your concern that no one noticed your pin on your hat very interesting. I have been around a lot of folks with different pins on vests, jackets, hats, etc. but I have never taken the time to look closely and read them.
I have but one pin on my motorcycle jacket - it was given to me by the Blue Knight himself (it is a Canadian mountie pin). No one has noticed it or commented on it after me having it there for 18 months. But I have the pin on my jacket FOR ME. It makes me smile because I remember the guy who gave it to me. I stuck it on my jacket to remind me of the Blue Knight, not in the hope that people would notice my Mountie pin.

[eljeffe]

No offense pal, but I think you are taking all of this WAY too seriously. I do various things and couldn't care less about public recognition. In fact, I actively avoid it. Rob has now posted why things were cut our of the closing ceremony, so hopefully, you're happy.

Any more crying out of you and I am placing a call for the:

http://emoto.smugmug.com/photos/76726638-L.jpg

Yeah, and while at ToTR, I heard some of the Colorado folks say what a breeze the POA award thing was gonna be. Take a quick overnighter ride to get your arm band at the RA rally. Take a day ride and get your ToTR armband. And then show up for the plaque at the MOA rally. You didn't even need to really attend either rally. Just get your armbands so you could get your prize. LOL!!!

[flash412]

Except for the guy whose bike I borrowed, nobody said "BOO!" to me when I finished riding 4500 miles in Australia (http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=15oiw03f.44sj2frj&x=1&y=85v5kx) in two weeks. Nobody said, "Stand up while folks give you a round of applause" when I finished riding 4500 miles in Africa (http://www.deathstar.org/~flash/dustybutt.htm) in two weeks. (Though I did get a certificate (http://flash412pix.home.comcast.net/DustyButtCert_50.jpg) from the Iron Butt Association for one of the days there.) All I got for riding up Sani Pass and across Lesotho is a pair of stamps in my passport. Nobody said anything when I entered North Dakota, my 50th state (http://www.f650.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=203215), nor even so much as spoke to me when I got home. (My s.o. was off riding her Ducati to California and back.) Nobody said anything when I finished three months riding in Europe. While I got a certificate for the first one (http://www.deathstar.org/~flash/murphy.htm), nobody said anything when I finished my second, third, fifth or sixth 1000 mile days. Nobody had anything to say when I returned from the Arctic Circle (http://flash412pix.home.comcast.net/MidnightRun.htm). I got no applause for fixing four flat tires in a day (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11355), three of them in one hour.

It never even occurred to me that somebody should somehow be required to stroke my ego. It never occurred to me that I should be entitled to stand up with the other finishers of the Dustybutt 1000 (http://flash412pix.home.comcast.net/DustyButtFinishers_50.jpg) and take a bow. Personally, I ride for me, personally. Long ago I made a choice to live my life for me, not for what others may think of me. I'm a legend in my own mind and quite content with that. I set my own goals, attain them, and bask in the internal glow of a job well done. I've got some photos (http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=15oiw03f.5r2g2d7v&x=1&y=-i2kae5), lots of memories and several new friends.

Take solace in a quote from Dizzy Dean, "It ain't braggin' if ya done it." I write up my adventures (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122795&highlight=Tico+Tales). I post links to them.

Every now and then I get an email from somebody and have a new friend somewhere in the world. And every so often, somebody buys a copy of a book I wrote about motorcycles and motorcycling. Income from those sales pays for... more. So, yeah, I flog this stuff every chance I get. I do it because it leads to MORE adventures, not for the ego strokes in successfully completing the old ones. I do enjoy it when folks who have bought my book send an email to tell me that they enjoyed reading it, that it made them laugh, that it reminded them of a story that happened to them that they then share with me. That's a personal connection that closes the loop for me.

Frankly, the idea of walking across a stage to get a pat on the back in front of a crowd that has been waiting too long to hear if they are the one who won the motorcycle drawing just doesn't do a thing for me.

[Bill Burke]

nobody said "BOO!" to me when I finished riding 4500 miles in Australia in two weeks. Nobody said, "Stand up while folks give you a round of applause" when I finished riding 4500 miles in Africa (http://www.deathstar.org/~flash/dustybutt.htm) in two weeks. (Though I did get a certificate (http://flash412pix.home.comcast.net/DustyButtCert_50.jpg) from the Iron Butt Association for one of the days there.) All I got for riding up Sani Pass and across Lesotho is a pair of stamps in my passport. Nobody said anything when I entered North Dakota

David-
I can see no recognition for Africa, Europe, Australia, etc. But having grown up in Minnesota, I really think you should have been given a large and expensive plaque for entering North Dakota.

[NancyK]

David-
I can see no recognition for Africa, Europe, Australia, etc. But having grown up in Minnesota, I really think you should have been given a large and expensive plaque for entering North Dakota.

I'll second that... on both counts! :beer

[The_Veg]

Unless this Ballen wants a do-over of the closing ceremonies, I don't see what he possibly expects anybody to do about this.

Personally, I'm envious as hell that he got to do that ride- I sure wanted to but I'm too broke to even ride a 500-mile weekend these days.

[2BLACKS]

Dude,

It's not about "recognition"!
I'm sure there were a bunch of 30+ year old, 2nd year owners who spent a couple grand in attendence.
The guy with his 5 year old (future rider) is what it's about!

Remember to enjoy the ride.

P.S.

If you want your name recognized by the MOA, participate in their membership recruitment.

BillMer :bikes

[merrittgene]

Many people have made some good points, and even added a few laughs, so I'll toss my own opinion in....

I attended the rally in VT, but packed my tent and hit the road before the rain started, so I don't know what was/wasn't said at the cermonies...but Rob gave a thorough explanation for the how/why the ceremonies were shortened. It sounds like good decisions were made. 'Nuff said.

I do agree that it would have been nice if 60 seconds had been spent to ask the POA finishers to stand, and if the POA concept was explained in brief. Personally, I managed to miss 99.9% of all the information about the Tour, except for seeing the banner upstairs by the pin/patch pickup point. I thought "Hmmm, what is that about?" So, a little promotion of the Tour would have reached a bunch of people at the ceremony.

So, I'm saying that personal accomplishments are, and should be, solely personal. BTW, I don't read pins or t-shirts, nor am I likely to read a list of 125 names in the ON either.

It looks like the weather played a big role in the missed opportunity for telling the POA story, and that's unfortunate. But, I think it's wrong to feel bad about the lack of recognition for the individuals.

[Emoto]

Many people have made some good points, and even added a few laughs, so I'll toss my own opinion in....

I attended the rally in VT, but packed my tent and hit the road before the rain started, so I don't know what was/wasn't said at the cermonies...but Rob gave a thorough explanation for the how/why the ceremonies were shortened. It sounds like good decisions were made. 'Nuff said.

I do agree that it would have been nice if 60 seconds had been spent to ask the POA finishers to stand, and if the POA concept was explained in brief. Personally, I managed to miss 99.9% of all the information about the Tour, except for seeing the banner upstairs by the pin/patch pickup point. I thought "Hmmm, what is that about?" So, a little promotion of the Tour would have reached a bunch of people at the ceremony.

So, I'm saying that personal accomplishments are, and should be, solely personal. BTW, I don't read pins or t-shirts, nor am I likely to read a list of 125 names in the ON either.

It looks like the weather played a big role in the missed opportunity for telling the POA story, and that's unfortunate. But, I think it's wrong to feel bad about the lack of recognition for the individuals.


Ok, let's do it now...

IN RECOGNITION OF THE LONG MILES AND TRIBULATIONS OF COMPLETING THE POA TOUR, WILL ALL PARTICIPANTS PLEASE STAND UP SO THAT THEY CAN BE RECOGNIZED.... LET'S GIVE THEM A BIG HAND FOLKS!!!!

:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

There. We done now? :dunno

[aaaaaa]

Can we ever be done?
robert

[Emoto]

Can we ever be done?
robert

OK. I'm not sure what kind of oil to use on my tires. What should I do?

[Belg]

OK. I'm not sure what kind of oil to use on my tires. What should I do?

I don't know, but I heard that's how you make racing slicks :)

[flash412]

Can we ever be done? Just tell us who it is that is holding the gun to your head forcing you to read this drivel and we will "neutralize" him. Ok?

[IndyGT]

As the Awards and Tally Chair Person for the MOA Rally, I was involved in some of the ceremony. I know that one of the concerns was to keep the closing ceremony succinct. Other attendees have complained that they have gone on too long for their preferences. It is always a balancing act to meet the desires of all the people.

To me the recognition in ON will last longer then the award ceremony for an accomplishment for something such as the Peaks of America. I congratulate you on your accomplishment.

Thanks for keeping the awards ceremony short and to the point. It was a very pleasant contrast to some previous rallies - Midland comes to mind - where the awards ceremony turned into an orgy of self-congratulation for the rally organizers and MOA officials and insiders.
I nominate you for permanent appointment as Awards and Tally Chairman.
:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

[SHAG]

IN A YEAR OR SO FROM NOW WILL ANYONE REALLY KNOW WHAT THE PEAKS OF AMERICA TOUR WAS ABOUT, I DONT THINK ANYONE WILL.
REMEMBER IT WAS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME DEAL, RIGHT. :sick

You'll see T-shirts because they were selling them to anyone with $20 at the RA & TOR ! :stick

[GreenStainz]

Ballen

Dude i don't know what to think of your post. I am envious that you had the time and the balls to make the trip. Looking to get recognition from it though? maybe look at it this way. I exercise almost daily, I run, lift weights etc and my recent goal was to lose 20 pounds and I did it. I wasn't looking for recognition but to feel good about myself and also to know I could accomplish a difficult goal. I didn't have someone next to me when I ran my 3 or 4 miles a day encouraging to do it. Its gotta from your heart and your soul. in my book looking for recognition is the last thing you should look for.

Thats my 10 cents cuz my 2 cents is free

[BradfordBenn]

Thats my 10 cents cuz my 2 cents is free

Nice Eminem reference

[GreenStainz]

Nice Eminem reference


no problem

[TheDogFahted]

Whathisface could have gone for another beautiful ride for all the time he spent crafting his "Wahhhh-gram." Oh, that's right--there wouldn't have been anyone standing in his garage applauding his return.

[bmwDeb]

I rode the Peaks of America Tour because I wanted to be at the 3 rallies.... co-chairing Registration/Awards in Boise for RA Rally, attending TOR Rally without running the event, and then at MOA Rally in Vermont. Three really great rallies to attend. Would I have done all 3 without a pin? Probably, but it was an incentive.

When I was working the booth in Vermonty where the pins were being handed out, you have to know that it was a challenge for some to particpate and complete the event. One rider from KC area told me that he trained most of the year to participate, and then he had some health issues that would have precluded him from finishing. But he persevered and got the pin...it brought tears to his eyes and mine.

We ride our bikes for many reasons. Participating in a Peaks of America Tour may be one of them.

I hope we have other similar events to challenge those who want to see if they can stretch their riding skills.

Deb Lower
BMW MOA VP

[John Brase]

OK, so if it is time to stand up and be recognized I'll try. Even if my back does hurt some.

I had a great POA ride. Solo. I don't expect folks to cheer me because I did it. I did it for me. But, if you see me and ask, I will be able to tell you tales for hours. I managed to make the adventure 7,340 miles long.

Does anyone know the real number of folks who did the tour? I thought Greg Feeler said 200 or so at the closing ceremony, then I keep reading this 125 number. And, does anybody know who was the oldest participant? I'm thinking of laying claim to that honor at 63yr-10mo.

John

p.s. I'm also laying claim to the first mention of the idea of making all three rallys in one trip. Big thanks to Rob Nye the idea of making it an "official" tour.

p.p.s. OK, gloat is over. Now I have to go mow the grass.

[Kev95GS]

I got to ride through some of the most beautiful country imaginable and not have to work for 3 weeks and all I got was this losey T-Shirt and pin...


:violin

Kevin :bolt

[ballen262]

Ok got home today 7750 miles exactly, three weeks, and an azz that feels like a rock.
I do want to take back about the money I spent, I should of only said the part that I would of rather spent my money to hit Nova scotia and that is all I should of said about money, sorry about that.
I took the time to read all the posts and thanks for the funny posts, and thanks for the honest posts.
The reasons for the short ceremonies and the reasons for this and that, fair enough, but I want to share this, I met about a dozen or so riders on the way home, and had time to share my thoughts on the POA tour, not one of them disagreed with me that recognizing should be shared with all who played a role in all the MOA events, and keep it short and sweet, a couple more minutes here and their who cares we just spent up to three weeks to get their whats a couple more minutes to make sure everyone get noticed, with that said, we who did do the POA where not identified as a WHOLE as the same as the ones who did longest miles or oldest or youngest etc etc.

If you take the time to post a page on the web about the POA, say their is going to be more than one award for the POA, say its a once in a lifetime event, remember they said "not even the old folke can remember when their was such alignment of such a tour", you should take the time to acknowledged the ones who was able to take on such a challenge not because its was just a person challenge, but a challenge brought up by the ones involved with the POA getting it started.

Now as being new to riding tours and I read this on the MOA site, and new to rallies, I see a great way to challenge myself, and show to myself I can do it, and I did and still had a great time, but to do all three rallies their was little time to take and stop and enjoy in-between each if you wanted to hit the beginning and end of each rally, it was even more tough getting to Vermont in the heat we had.

With all that said, we all should get noticed for things others challenge us to do, or advertise on a page to want us to take advantage of such challenge based on the words spoken on the POA page, things we do on our own shouldn't but if noticed makes us feel really good.

If I could do it all over again, I would of not done the tour, not done the RA rally, and put that week into Nova scotia, I had a budget, and that budget I tried to make Nova Scotia even after Vermont, but I could not make the time to go, as I have already done three weeks.

You learn as ya go, will cancel my MOA membership??????

Well like most of you have said, long ceremonies, to many awards, do the ride for yourself, personal gain, meet people, experiences on places you went or going to go,,,,,,,,,well lets see, if its all about the ride, then why would I need to be apart of the MOA then, why do I need to attend rallies, except to stop by if in the area and check out the vendors,, then as a newbie looks like the best thing for me to do would enjoy the ride, and stay involved in my chapter in my area.

Your all right, its all about the ride, not the rally, or the membership to the MOA.

I had a great time, had a great ride, but it was a push the whole way not much time to stop and enjoy for someone like me who has a family and a business, remember 7700 miles in three weeks, with rallies taking 3 days each weekend, it was a challenge mostly for the time to do it, met great people, and I will never forget it,,,,,BUT I HOLD MY GROUND FOR THE ONES WHO DID THIS, SHOULD OF BEEN NOTICED BETTER THAN THE WAY THEY DID IT IN CLOSING CERIMONIES. SORRY BUT THATS HOW I SEE IT, NOT JUST ME, BUT TO ALL WHO DID IT.

[Emoto]

Ballen, you take this **** way too seriously. I wish you the best, but you need to learn to let go.

[ballen262]

Ballen, you take this **** way too seriously. I wish you the best, but you need to learn to let go.
To me life is more than just blow it off because one messed up or one forgot to do the right thing.

If you or anyone else sees a mistake or make a mistake we all jump in and should try and keep it from happening in the future, if we simply just blow it off, what gain is their.

I told you all I have moved on, I have said my peace, and now its for them to do with it as they see fit.

Oh trust me its not that I take the **** to seriously, I am one who just believes in doing the right thing, and seeing the right thing being done.

Little thought for ya, the one who won the long mileage on the POA, I would love to of asked him this question, would he of done the POA if their was no award for long mileage????????????????????????? :usa

[j-budimlya]

a while back.....I rode from SoCal to the MOA rally in Charleston.....did Paonia and a few other stops on the way.....a couple of 900+ miles days in there somewhere.....somewhere around 8,000 miles, and plenty of heat too....

It was a ball.....it took 3 weeks....I made new friends and met up with old friends....

Can't wait to do it again.....

Hope to meet you on the road when you are on your next trip.....

:wave

[Emoto]

To me life is more than just blow it off because one messed up or one forgot to do the right thing.

If you or anyone else sees a mistake or make a mistake we all jump in and should try and keep it from happening in the future, if we simply just blow it off, what gain is their.

I told you all I have moved on, I have said my peace, and now its for them to do with it as they see fit.

Oh trust me its not that I take the **** to seriously, I am one who just believes in doing the right thing, and seeing the right thing being done.

Little thought for ya, the one who won the long mileage on the POA, I would love to of asked him this question, would he of done the POA if their was no award for long mileage????????????????????????? :usa

Well, if the guy's name is available, I bet we can find him and ask him. I will bet you a couple of beers at the Wisc rally that he would have stilll done it. A lot of folks just plain like to ride. On second thought, I'll buy you a beer either way. Ask around for EMOTO to find me. :drink

[Bokrijder]

Ballen,
I'm gonna have to go with Emoto on this, but at the same time you do make some points. Most of the players in this game are old hands and as such probably read the hype and the event in a different way. I signed in at Vermont, had the girls cut my armbands off, and walked away with a sense of satisfaction. I never considered the closing ceremonies and in fact was again on the road at the time. My attitude is as worthy of criticism as yours. Was I being selfish in walking away with my sense of satisfaction in completing the ride, but ignoring the accomplishments of other participants? I think that I was. Ballen, I apologize for that.
Years ago, I can remember the feeling of having my name called and walking up to be presented an Enduro trophy, and you know what, it wasn't bad. However, the gold colored plastic long ago ended up in the dumpster and today, I cannot remember one single awards ceremony. Ah, but the events, the people, now that's a different story. (58, for those already penning a punch line)
The hours in the saddle, the aches, the pains, the brutal heat; these are the things that remind us that we are are alive. This ride offered all of this, but there's always a longer road and a hotter day ahead. Stick with this game, you'll find that longer road and endure that hotter day and the Peaks Tour will pale in comparison. Good luck

Motard

[kbasa]

Ballen,
I'm gonna have to go with Emoto on this, but at the same time you do make some points. Most of the players in this game are old hands and as such probably read the hype and the event in a different way. I signed in at Vermont, had the girls cut my armbands off, and walked away with a sense of satisfaction. I never considered the closing ceremonies and in fact was again on the road at the time. My attitude is as worthy of criticism as yours. Was I being selfish in walking away with my sense of satisfaction in completing the ride, but ignoring the accomplishments of other participants? I think that I was. Ballen, I apologize for that.
Years ago, I can remember the feeling of having my name called and walking up to be presented an Enduro trophy, and you know what, it wasn't bad. However, the gold colored plastic long ago ended up in the dumpster and today, I cannot remember one single awards ceremony. Ah, but the events, the people, now that's a different story. (58, for those already penning a punch line)
The hours in the saddle, the aches, the pains, the brutal heat; these are the things that remind us that we are are alive. This ride offered all of this, but there's always a longer road and a hotter day ahead. Stick with this game, you'll find that longer road and endure that hotter day and the Peaks Tour will pale in comparison. Good luck

Motard

Couldn't have said it better, Motard.

True reward comes from within.

[BradfordBenn]

Well, if the guy's name is available, I bet we can find him and ask him. I will bet you a couple of beers at the Wisc rally that he would have stilll done it. A lot of folks just plain like to ride. On second thought, I'll buy you a beer either way. Ask around for EMOTO to find me. :drink

Actually the guy was Rex Hosea and being that he has been living on his bike for the past couple of years, I think he did it for the ride. I had the chance to talk with Rex for a little bit and he is a neat guy.

[j-budimlya]

Actually the guy was Rex Hosea and being that he has been living on his bike for the past couple of years, I think he did it for the ride. I had the chance to talk with Rex for a little bit and he is a neat guy.

In June....on the 23rd of this year....Rex had riden 125,000 miles on his bike in the last 3 years....

He probably appreciated the prize....and most certainly deserved it....but he rides 'cause he like to ride...

He is a very nice guy....

Go Rex..... :wave

[Cliffy777]

Uhm, Mr. Kbasa sir, Mr. Pooh-bah, next year could you recognize me for not being at this year's rally? I don't need a plaque, but something bigger than a pin please. Maybe a nice medallion....or a really big belt buckle?
Thanks.

[kbasa]

Uhm, Mr. Kbasa sir, Mr. Pooh-bah, next year could you recognize me for not being at this year's rally? I don't need a plaque, but something bigger than a pin please. Maybe a nice medallion....or a really big belt buckle?
Thanks.

Right on, Cliffy. I'll see what we can do for you.

[ballen262]

Actually the guy was Rex Hosea and being that he has been living on his bike for the past couple of years, I think he did it for the ride. I had the chance to talk with Rex for a little bit and he is a neat guy.

I do know for a fact he is a great guy, so is everyone their at the rally, I do konw for a fact he did the POA knowing he was going to have a very good chance of walking away with the long milage award.

After I found out their was only going to be about 125 individuals who did the POA I felt I was up their on the high milage, but felt an older person retired would get it, and I was right.

If I was apart of the MOA upper team to promote it, I would find ways to bring in the younger generation, I would love to see how many members of the MOA are of the younger generation.

I just feel that it got dropped mostly because they only saw about 125 people do the POA, instead of seeing that it was such a hard challange to do it that only 125 was able to make it, that right their is a story in itself, and should be noticed dont ya all think.

So tell me, what was the main reason for doing the POA, just dont get it.
If you do all this for the ride and the experiance, why waste money doing pins and t-shirts for a POA ride that only 125 or so did.
So far I have read tons who wish they could of done it, but couldnt based on life challanges to get the time to do it. :banghead

[StevieWonder]

I wasn't there but I guess I don't get the injured feelings. I thought the purpose of the ride was to have FUN and not for glory or, at least, recognition. :brow

So, my question would be ... did you have FUN doing the POA run? If the answer is yes, then there's your payback. If it wasn't fun, then don't do it again. Pretty simple choice. If you did the POA because you thought you'd get your 15 seconds of fame, then I'd simply question your motivation for participating.

[crazydrummerdude]

:lurk Getting no recognition before is better than getting the recognition you're getting now.

[SheRidesABeemer]

Uhm, Mr. Kbasa sir, Mr. Pooh-bah, next year could you recognize me for not being at this year's rally? I don't need a plaque, but something bigger than a pin please. Maybe a nice medallion....or a really big belt buckle?
Thanks.

This is a great new idea. Can you chair the un-awards committee? There could be all kinds of categories: Club with least amount of members present (well, it's zero). Longest distance not traveled to the rally. Most consecutive years skipping the rally. So many places to go with this idea....

[ballen262]

I wasn't there but I guess I don't get the injured feelings. I thought the purpose of the ride was to have FUN and not for glory or, at least, recognition. :brow

So, my question would be ... did you have FUN doing the POA run? If the answer is yes, then there's your payback. If it wasn't fun, then don't do it again. Pretty simple choice. If you did the POA because you thought you'd get your 15 seconds of fame, then I'd simply question your motivation for participating.

My motivation was to see a once in a lifetime challange promoted by the MOA on a full web page to be noticed not dropped because only 125 did it.

I have many reasons why I did the POA, was if fun, yes, will I do it diffrent next time, yes.

To everyone, go read every word on the POA tour web page, then ask yourself was it reconized like it was promoted.

Their is a big story to be told about the ONLY 125 people who was able to make it, isent that why it was promoted.

I am still waiting to hear a good reason why they even did a POA, WHY?

Was it to see a great person who lives on a bike get long milage, who had a very big chance to win it.

[jdiaz]

Write an article about the POA for Owners News and submit it?

[Sue]

Their is a big story to be told about the ONLY 125 people who was able to make it, isent that why it was promoted.

I am still waiting to hear a good reason why they even did a POA, WHY

Just guessing here, but I believe there were a LOT more than 125 people who did that ride, but they did so only for for the sheer fun of it. Or, MAYBE there were others like me, who went to Boise AND Vermont, skipping the ToR due to other constraints. Mileage was essentially the same for me, but I needed to work a few days in the middle.

I am sorry you feel unappreciated. When I got home from Boise after an 1100 mile day, I was thrilled for fun of the ride. I wish you felt the same rush. THAT alone made it worth it.

[AZ Greg]

I move to shorten the closing ceremony significantly by merely printing the awards on the web and in the next ON. Who cares who rode the most miles, the least, the oldest, the youngest, rode to the rally with one hand tied behind his/her back, the club with the least number attending, the most. (Someone must have stayed up nights dreaming these categories up!)

How about a beer garden drinking award ? :drink

Just give the door prizes away and a few "attaboys" for the organizers and volunteers!

A closing ceremony in less than 30 minutes . . . what a concept! :bolt

[flash412]

I move to shorten the closing ceremony significantly by merely printing the awards on the web and in the next ON...A closing ceremony in less than 30 minutes . . . what a concept!SECONDED!

I have always felt that high school and college commencement exercises should consist of: a speech by the head administrator honcho, a speech by the student body designated yap-head, MAYBE a speech by some invited speaker who has words of wizdumb and then... DISMISSED, pick up your sheepskin at one of the six tables on the way out. Cuz NOBODY wants to sit through all that crap, not even the recipients.

And this ain't NO different.

Say out loud WHO won the bike. Give them a minute. If they ain't on stage, draw another name. When the bike is claimed, everybody go get a beer. The END.

[cruizbz]

John Anderson did POA on his blue GT with HANDICAP plates on it and while he had pnuemonia!!!!! :clap

And, He has NOT cried and whined once about his TRAGIC lack of recognition.

He did it for a personal challenge and to improve his own life in spirit and mind. He does not need a standing ovation.

Thanks for posting your name. I now know who to advoid wasting my time with at the next rally. I'd hate to waste 30 seconds on your sob story.

[StevieWonder]

My motivation was to see a once in a lifetime challange promoted by the MOA on a full web page to be noticed not dropped because only 125 did it.

I rest my case ... WRONG MOTIVATION.

There's a good idea posted here ... write and article and submit it to ON for publication complete with some glory pictures.

BTW, the website promoted the Rally much more than the POA but did we stop to read out the X,XXX names of all who participated? After all there was a LOT more publicity about the rally, so if that's the criteria for recognition, then POA participants would be well down the list.

I also noticed that you have 12 posts and ALL of them are derogatory of the club, the club's management and ALL of them indicate it's ALL about YOU.

[BradfordBenn]

If I was apart of the MOA upper team to promote it, I would find ways to bring in the younger generation, I would love to see how many members of the MOA are of the younger generation.

Actually this is something that the MOA Foundation has been brainstorming on for a few months now. We are looking for ideas to get the "younger" generation more involved, such as hosting Camp GEARS and doing other rider info session.

Any ideas would be much appreciatted.

[SHAG]

I am still waiting to hear a good reason why they even did a POA, WHY?


To sell $20 short sleeve mispelled POA T-Shirts to people that didn't do it!
:deal














:hide

[Bokrijder]

You're a cruel man, Shag. but I like it.

Motard

[Bokrijder]

John Anderson did POA on his blue GT with HANDICAP plates on it and while he had pnuemonia!!!!! :clap

And, He has NOT cried and whined once about his TRAGIC lack of recognition.

He did it for a personal challenge and to improve his own life in spirit and mind. He does not need a standing ovation

Cruiz,

You posted in another thread that John had crashed on his way back to KC and was in the hospital. Any word ?

Motard

[Mika]

Okay Ballen262, so you wanted recognition here are some numbers for you. As I wrote this and did my research my post would be the 3556 view of the thread you started.

Using number of views as a metric you rank:

Rally Forum - # 29, but you are up against some tuff competition in that area.

The two other areas that this thread could fit in are the Clubhouse and the Campfire.

Clubhouse ranking would have been: 17th between the Disappearing BMW Dealers and Tell us how you came to own your first BMW threads.

Campfire ranking would have been: 5th between the Redwood Fungal Ride? and Fahrenheit 911 threads.

So in the future remember thread placement makes a difference in ranking. Keep your chin up people will still view the thread until the next big thing comes along. Congratulations for your rankings on your first post. :clap :clap :clap

I remain jealous that your business was doing better than mine and you could go two nationals and the peak of the Rockies which I have not been able to pull off and I have been riding longer than you have been alive.
:lurk

[OUTBACKUFO]

Uhm, Mr. Kbasa sir, Mr. Pooh-bah, next year could you recognize me for not being at this year's rally? I don't need a plaque, but something bigger than a pin please. Maybe a nice medallion....or a really big belt buckle?
Thanks.


I third the motion... i feel and un-attending awards is in order... i did nto attend... i was doing 10K in 14 days that weeks soo :nyah



This is a great new idea. Can you chair the un-awards committee? There could be all kinds of categories: Club with least amount of members present (well, it's zero). Longest distance not traveled to the rally. Most consecutive years skipping the rally. So many places to go with this idea....
:laugh :clap



If I was apart of the MOA upper team to promote it, I would find ways to bring in the younger generation, I would love to see how many members of the MOA are of the younger generation.

there has been some of us that are the "younger Gen" (myself included, under 30) trying to figure a way to start some thing with some old ego not getting in the way or in the way of... win the milage comp and then make a point of it or write something for the ON... will be in in a couple times soon and plan to write more photo essays... or help scout for a National rally site or the people who get the most praise in my book at any major event. .. the trash pick volunteers... they do all the work after everything is done and everyone is gone home and they deal with the trash...

[Hodag]

How about a beer garden drinking award ? :drink


in :drink

[kbasa]

So tell me, what was the main reason for doing the POA, just dont get it.
If you do all this for the ride and the experiance, why waste money doing pins and t-shirts for a POA ride that only 125 or so did.


It was an opportunity to provide some small token to folks that had an ability and opportunity to hit all three rallies.

I get the impression that you're fairly young. I'll tell you this, looking back down through my riding experiences, in a decade, you'll care not one whit about the pin, the shirt or any of the material things you got. Any award you received will be secondary to the time you spent hanging with your friends, riding around our beautiful continent and the experiences you gained doing so.

Tina and I have a plaque we got back in 1994 when we were long distance two up to the Top of the Rockies. Just now, I had to go check and see what it was for - the plaque is not what I think of when I think of that rally. More importantly, I remember pulling into Paonia and camping in the park. I remember watching the firemen play the riders in a softball game. I remember riding with a bunch of friends over to Black Canyon. I remember riding 550 up from Durango to get to Paonia. I rememer the kids walking around selling apricots and the kids across the street washing bikes for $3.

True reward for this ride will come later and will come from within you. Maybe your pin will elicit those memories. Maybe your shirt will, when you put it on some time in the future. That's why we provided those items. Just like photographs, they're a trigger for your memories of a wonderful time.

Does that help?

[StevieWonder]

BRAVO ... well stated.

NO, check that ... PERFECTLY stated. :clap

[kbasa]

I move to shorten the closing ceremony significantly by merely printing the awards on the web and in the next ON. Who cares who rode the most miles, the least, the oldest, the youngest, rode to the rally with one hand tied behind his/her back, the club with the least number attending, the most. (Someone must have stayed up nights dreaming these categories up!)

How about a beer garden drinking award ? :drink

Just give the door prizes away and a few "attaboys" for the organizers and volunteers!

A closing ceremony in less than 30 minutes . . . what a concept! :bolt

Three out of the last four closing ceremonies have been right at an hour.

A half hour? I dunno.

[kbasa]

there has been some of us that are the "younger Gen" (myself included, under 30) trying to figure a way to start some thing with some old ego not getting in the way or in the way of... win the milage comp and then make a point of it or write something for the ON... will be in in a couple times soon and plan to write more photo essays... or help scout for a National rally site or the people who get the most praise in my book at any major event. .. the trash pick volunteers... they do all the work after everything is done and everyone is gone home and they deal with the trash...

Glad to have you on board, Mike.

The best way to change an organization is to get involved, so I'm glad to see folks getting involved that are outside the "old guard". :buds

[ballen262]

It was an opportunity to provide some small token to folks that had an ability and opportunity to hit all three rallies.



Some small token??????????
But that is not how they promoted it on the web page, go read it.
If I saw the words some small token, I would of spent time doing Nova Scotia, and stopping more to see the sites instead of hurrying to get to the next rally.

I agree with the opportunity to hit all three rallies, but to do this POA was going to take a big commitment and proper timing to get to all three rallies that is why not to many was able to do all three its hard to get the time these days family and all, not much time to see the sites, unless you showed up late to each rally.

PLease everyone, not bashing here, just talking it out with some great minds in this 4M.

[ballen262]

Actually this is something that the MOA Foundation has been brainstorming on for a few months now. We are looking for ideas to get the "younger" generation more involved, such as hosting Camp GEARS and doing other rider info session.

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

OK OK OK, I am telling you now BradfordBenn, I worked hard to do this POA, with a wife that hates bike's at that, just what I put her through was very hard for her, and I love her to death to have enough faith to support me going.

Owning a business, employee's that worked hard to prove they could hold the fort down, two wonderful kids that missed me tons,,,,I think,,,,,.

But I did this to show younger guys who has a full life going on, not retired, yet,,,,that it can be done, and we may not be getting the high mileage awards, but this one as a younger guy cant be taken away by the older ones.

But I am walking away right now saying to myself, why do rallies and get involved in things like the POA, when I can have more fun stopping more, seeing more, I had more fun seeing who I was going to meet while I was traveling, including passing the Harley's on the the freeways.

I hit so many miles just trying to hit the rallies on time each day I got hemorrhoids,,, no joke, the heat didnt help any.

I am telling all now for the first rally's for me and the first tour on a bike more than 1000 miles from home, this POA kicked me in the azz, Im not asking for sympathy, just recognition for the ones who did it.

[StevieWonder]

Geez, hope you didn't break your arm patting yourself on the back.

If you are arrogant enough or just naive enough to believe that MOA is solely made up of retirees with nothing to do but toot around the country on their bikes, then you really aren't paying attention.

Like me, many, if not most, have a full time job, a wife, kids and a host of other responsibilities that have zero to do with bikes. Some have wives that don't particularly like bikes. In spite of your obvious opinion that you are somehow a hero to overcome life to ride the POA, I would suggest that MOST of the riders have other responsibilities and life conflicts that generate a certain degree of commitment to completing the POA. I would also suggest that many more made just as big of a sacrifice just to attend the rally.

Again, with under 15 posts, you have yet to post anything that's either positive about the club or not about you. Put your big girl panties on and deal with it. Your priorities are clearly not properly aligned if getting up on stage was your primary motivation for completing the POA. Instead, count yourself as privileged to have been able to do so and move on.

ENJOY the ride --- put the rest aside.

[SheRidesABeemer]

Geez, hope you didn't break your arm patting yourself on the back.

If you are arrogant enough or just naive enough to believe that MOA is solely made up of retirees with nothing to do but toot around the country on their bikes, then you really aren't paying attention.

Like me, many, if not most, have a full time job, a wife, kids and a host of other responsibilities that have zero to do with bikes. Some have wives that don't particularly like bikes. In spite of your obvious opinion that you are somehow a hero to overcome life to ride the POA, I would suggest that MOST of the riders have other responsibilities and life conflicts that generate a certain degree of commitment to completing the POA. I would also suggest that many more made just as big of a sacrifice just to attend the rally.


I just want to clarify that while I do have a full time job, I do not have a wife. I had a husband once who did not like that I got a bike...so I rode away. Right now I'm scheming on how to tour across the country with my daughter next July. I expect plaque or some other tooth decay agent when I get to Wisconsin. :wave

Back to our regularly scheduled :violin

[ballen262]

Geez, hope you didn't break your arm patting yourself on the back.

If you are arrogant enough or just naive enough to believe that MOA is solely made up of retirees with nothing to do but toot around the country on their bikes, then you really aren't paying attention.

Like me, many, if not most, have a full time job, a wife, kids and a host of other responsibilities that have zero to do with bikes. Some have wives that don't particularly like bikes. In spite of your obvious opinion that you are somehow a hero to overcome life to ride the POA, I would suggest that MOST of the riders have other responsibilities and life conflicts that generate a certain degree of commitment to completing the POA. I would also suggest that many more made just as big of a sacrifice just to attend the rally.

Again, with under 15 posts, you have yet to post anything that's either positive about the club or not about you. Put your big girl panties on and deal with it. Your priorities are clearly not properly aligned if getting up on stage was your primary motivation for completing the POA. Instead, count yourself as privileged to have been able to do so and move on.

ENJOY the ride --- put the rest aside.
I do believe you need to reread my posts, you clearly did not as I read this from you.

Everyone who did what they did deserves recognition for what they did, its what keeps us coming back for more, besides the great times, not all people are the same, that is what makes it so much fun, if you promote the POA like they did, and they are trying to get the younger generation in, then the POA and recognizing it does pull in the younger boys, as it did me, but disappointed because they sold the shirts to just anyone, and sold the extra pins to some.

Nothing is perfect, I said this, but if you or anyone else sees something that just may not be right, we speak up, in my book they should of really taken advantage of the POA to spark something really big, and they didnt.

[StevieWonder]

My apologies ... I did not try to be nor intend to be sexist. Please consider "guys" to mean "guys/gals", "wives" to mean "wives/husbands", etc etc etc.

I'm just too lazy to insert all the legal technojargon to cover all the bases !!! :nyah

[StevieWonder]

I do believe you need to reread my posts, you clearly did not as I read this from you.

Everyone who did what they did deserves recognition for what they did, its what keeps us coming back for more, besides the great times, not all people are the same, that is what makes it so much fun, if you promote the POA like they did, and they are trying to get the younger generation in, then the POA and recognizing it does pull in the younger boys, as it did me, but disappointed because they sold the shirts to just anyone, and sold the extra pins to some.

Nothing is perfect, I said this, but if you or anyone else sees something that just may not be right, we speak up, in my book they should of really taken advantage of the POA to spark something really big, and they didnt.

OK, fair enough ... it's not ALL about you ... just MOSTLY about you !!! :nyah

I must have missed it where they are complaining. Maybe they did it for the fun and never expected, much less demanded, attention for doing so. Just maybe.

[cwtester]

Greetings,

Just so you know we gutted the closing ceremony because of the weather.

45 minutes before the ceremony we were discussing alternatives if we had to cancel. There were storm cells moving through the area with high winds, driving rain and lightning. One fallback was to simply stand up and call numbers, the other was to have a drawing at the office in St. Louis in a week and webcast it. We would have had to clear the grandstands if any of these cells were going to pass directly over the site; we had people monitoring weather radar and the facility had a local weather guy providing updates every five minutes.

We hacked a bunch of fluff and asked every presenter to keep it as brief as possible to give us the best shot at giving out all the grand prizes.

I am sorry all the folks who completed the POA tour were not recognized and thanked for participating. As the person who came up with the idea I would have liked it to get more attention, however knowing 160 or so people enjoyed the experience is plenty.

Thanks for riding the POA and thank you for joining us in Vermont.

Best,

I also did the POA also but now I'm bummed, the hurry up closing may have ROBBED me of a proper chance to win a grand prize. LOL Good job for such crappy weather :D

[Hodag]

I expect plaque or some other tooth decay agent when I get to Wisconsin.

I plan on showing you around the city that made me the person I am today....
it'll be an endurance event for sure

[StevieWonder]

I plan on showing you around the city that made me the person I am today....

That calls for a reroute !!! :D

[BradfordBenn]

I plan on showing you around the city that made me the person I am today....
it'll be an endurance event for sure

I will stop eating now so I am hungry then....

[Hodag]

I will stop eating now so I am hungry then....

I would increase your alcohol intake, a high tolerance is your friend

[StevieWonder]

Also, you better increase your fibre content ... all that cheese tends to plug you up !!! :stick

[BradfordBenn]

I would increase your alcohol intake, a high tolerance is your friend

Remember I am a marekting weasel, I drink professionally :beer
:drink

[StevieWonder]

Remember I am a marekting weasel,

That explains the tail, but what about the ears ... :D

[Mika]

StevieWonder, Ballen262 take it easy. The thread has moved up 4 positions on the view scale don’t get it sent to the dog house before its time.

Ballen262 you indicate you’re new at least to the board. Not long ago a lot of Beemer people wouldn’t say MOA and RA at the same time let alone admit that they were members of both. The ride you took was unimaginable a short time ago. The big deal for a lot of people that are looking in on this was that you had the chance to do it at all.

Now where were we… oh yah …you two were arguing about who or what’s it about (Miss Lillie, Boxergrrlie and mustard if you must know) and SRB and the 11LT man were going to take a cheese ride…please resume.

I hoping for the top 20 views before this gets sent to the dog house and I have to figure out Isamemon’s prose or is it poetry at least the post made.

[rgvilla]

you can have one of my air medals if you want it.

[PacWestGS]

Ballen262,

I was going to cut and paste or "Quote" some of your questions, but there are just too many. (Trying to get caught up on the forum).

I Just got home 17:34 (PDT) four weeks to the day after I left a full time job where that's almost two years worth of earned leave to take. A wife that was going to go, but stayed home after my "Breakdown" tour to prep for the POA. And, lots of unfinished business around the house. I also couldn’t afford it and had to burn another $1,200 just to prep my bike and repair a fried final drive at the last minute.

The purpose of any "TOUR" is to provide an "EXCUSE" to ride, not to promote anything or anyone. Either you are up for it, or you are not. You can find solace in the wisdom of the excuse or you can make more excuses for NOT DOING IT!

I threw complete caution to the wind. I was not going to go to Vermont, too far away from Washington for a three/four day event, I knew nothing about the ToTR rally before this, and I was only mildly interested in the BMW RA (Because they are a different kind of club; Older if you read me and not really about the people, more about the bike).

The power's to be came up with an idea, butted heads with the organizers’ of the three rallies and tied them together, what a great concept, really it was. It got me interested enough to just do it.

OK, I had a great time, put 9,143 on my bike, wore out a new set of tires, burned ¾ quart of oil and spent an estimated $1,500 in gas. Not included motel costs, camping fees, new gear purchased to survive or make the ride better. I would estimate (for me) somewhere around $3,500 spent to accomplish the Peaks of America Tour.

I endured the heat (112 all the way across Kansas), like everyone else; I picked up my bike once after it and me fell over, I saw and avoided upwards of 250 deer (seen), one cow (more but, one scared the crap out of me), a bazillion crickets, about 300 jackrabbits, one mink and a turkey. Yes, a big huge turkey took flight right in front of me while going through the Adirondacks (great area by the way). Unfortunately: one rabbit, two small birds, a lizard and a some unidentified blood born animal that gave it’s life on the front of my bike. Oh yeah, I have the carcasses of TNTC dead bugs on the leading edge of everything.

Was it worth it? YES. I will remember doing this trip long after the button is lost, the T-Shirt is faded and names of all the people I met along the way are long lost to the next TOUR.

If you are all about the awards, you will first need to move or use a Post Office Box address for Nome Alaska or Key West Florida to qualify for the most of NOTHING Awards.

I just spent the best four weeks of my life on a motorcycle and I can’t wait to do it again.

The Top o’ The Rockies Rally is on my list of yearly adventures because that place “Rocks” a must not miss place to be. I feel sorry for the person(s) that showed up Thursday got their wrist band and left, they missed something special, their loss.

Doc

PS. I don’t need a pat on the back, but if someone has any ideas on how to get the IRON out of my a$$ please post away… I may not have covered the miles, but I rode day in and day out for 10-12 hours each day I was not at a rally.

Ballen262, stick around you may like this place after the shock wears off. In the mean time; proudly wear your button and tell everyone that asks what it's for "What YOU did to get it".

Russ

:bikes

[StevieWonder]

StevieWonder, Ballen262 take it easy.

TRUST me ... I DID take it easy on him :hide

[PacWestGS]

If I hadn't have done what I set out to do, (I almost gave up in Kansas and returned to home, the blast furnace was a real bitch to drive through).

But if I had given up on my plan, the purpose and the inspiration that kept me going and got me going in the first place...













Then Bill Epply (aka BE in IN, aka Garth's Dad) would have never made it to the Rally in Vermont.

For that story will remain a special place in my mind and the mind of others for a life time.

That made the whole trip for me, glad I happen'd along the way.

RIP Garth (YB in IN) you are not forgotten...


Russ

[StevieWonder]

I just rode 2800 miles up to Michigan and back. It was about 105 in north Louisiana and blast furnace is a perfect description. I told my wife it was like a convection oven. It's just plain HOT. I stopped for water every 90 min or so. Usually I don't care much for riding in the rain, but I sure did appreciate the HARD rain from Vicksburg, MS to Jackson, MS on the way up.

[ballen262]

Ballen262,

I was going to cut and paste or "Quote" some of your questions, but there are just too many. (Trying to get caught up on the forum).

I Just got home 17:34 (PDT) four weeks to the day after I left a full time job where that's almost two years worth of earned leave to take. A wife that was going to go, but stayed home after my "Breakdown" tour to prep for the POA. And, lots of unfinished business around the house. I also couldn’t afford it and had to burn another $1,200 just to prep my bike and repair a fried final drive at the last minute.

The purpose of any "TOUR" is to provide an "EXCUSE" to ride, not to promote anything or anyone. Either you are up for it, or you are not. You can find solace in the wisdom of the excuse or you can make more excuses for NOT DOING IT!

I threw complete caution to the wind. I was not going to go to Vermont, too far away from Washington for a three/four day event, I knew nothing about the ToTR rally before this, and I was only mildly interested in the BMW RA (Because they are a different kind of club; Older if you read me and not really about the people, more about the bike).

The power's to be came up with an idea, butted heads with the organizers’ of the three rallies and tied them together, what a great concept, really it was. It got me interested enough to just do it.

OK, I had a great time, put 9,143 on my bike, wore out a new set of tires, burned ¾ quart of oil and spent an estimated $1,500 in gas. Not included motel costs, camping fees, new gear purchased to survive or make the ride better. I would estimate (for me) somewhere around $3,500 spent to accomplish the Peaks of America Tour.

I endured the heat (112 all the way across Kansas), like everyone else; I picked up my bike once after it and me fell over, I saw and avoided upwards of 250 deer (seen), one cow (more but, one scared the crap out of me), a bazillion crickets, about 300 jackrabbits, one mink and a turkey. Yes, a big huge turkey took flight right in front of me while going through the Adirondacks (great area by the way). Unfortunately: one rabbit, two small birds, a lizard and a some unidentified blood born animal that gave it’s life on the front of my bike. Oh yeah, I have the carcasses of TNTC dead bugs on the leading edge of everything.

Was it worth it? YES. I will remember doing this trip long after the button is lost, the T-Shirt is faded and names of all the people I met along the way are long lost to the next TOUR.

If you are all about the awards, you will first need to move or use a Post Office Box address for Nome Alaska or Key West Florida to qualify for the most of NOTHING Awards.

I just spent the best four weeks of my life on a motorcycle and I can’t wait to do it again.

The Top o’ The Rockies Rally is on my list of yearly adventures because that place “Rocks” a must not miss place to be. I feel sorry for the person(s) that showed up Thursday got their wrist band and left, they missed something special, their loss.

Doc

PS. I don’t need a pat on the back, but if someone has any ideas on how to get the IRON out of my a$$ please post away… I may not have covered the miles, but I rode day in and day out for 10-12 hours each day I was not at a rally.

Ballen262, stick around you may like this place after the shock wears off. In the mean time; proudly wear your button and tell everyone that asks what it's for "What YOU did to get it".

Russ

:bikes
Very good words like several other great posts, you are the first to ask to stick around as the others are trying to find ways to come up with the best wize crack hoping it will make a point.

You are right about what we have to walk away with, our own experiance that very few was able to do, big story, the MOA lost out big time on this.

Out of all that took place I would love to hear from all who did the POA, as I did start a thread on just that.

And no on the iron thing, mine is really bad.

[PacWestGS]

SNIP the others are trying to find ways to come up with the best wize crack hoping it will make a point.

You are right about what we have to walk away with, our own experiance that very few was able to do, big story, the MOA lost out big time on this.


Give it time, give the BOD time to digest the last few weeks, post your ride report for others to see and be inspired by. I will. The ON will find a way to make it all worth your while I promise; look forward to your October Issue (The Rally Issue).

As for the wise cracks and quick shots (First get some "Skin Thickener" formual 509 and apply liberally to all exposed skin), then ignor the jealousy of the ones who wish they could have been there but weren't... :fart

:lurk



:hide

[username]

ballen - why the heck are you so hung up on the fact that the rally was not celebrated in the manner that it was promoted in the announcement? you bring this up, over and over and over. your reaction is akin to a person who has been lied to about something very, very important.

i've met vietnam vets who were less upset about being treated shabbily when they got home than you are about not being asked to stand up and get applause for taking a longer, better vacation that most people have the time/'money to take.

please explain this.

[kbasa]

The POA page

Peaks of America Tour March 11, 2006



THREE RALLIES
THREE WEEKENDS
THREE THOUSAND MILES

Sometimes the sun, the moon, and the stars all align and something happens that never has before. This is one of those times!

In July of 2006 there will be three excellent rallies within three weeks of each other spanning much of the United States. First is the BMW RA “Discover Yourself In Idaho” Rally in Boise, ID, July 6th through the 9th. The following weekend is the famous Colorado BMW Club’s “Top O’ The Rockies” Rally, July 13th though the 16th in Paonia, CO, and finally there’s the BMW MOA “Vermont, It’s Not Flat!” Rally in Burlington, VT, July 20th through 23rd.

Even the old-timers can’t remember such an alignment of national and regional rallies. If ever there was a reason bordering on a mandate to ride your BMW across the U.S., this is it.

To recognize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, all three rally sponsoring organizations are cooperating to reward those hardy souls who show the good sense to attend all three events with a special commemorative “Peaks Of America Tour” pin! After all, riding BMWs long miles and attending great rallies is what we are all about.

In addition to this pin, participants in this cross country adventure will also be eligible for some traditional awards presented at the ‘MOA closing ceremonies, including a POA long distance mileage award. Participation couldn’t be easier: 1. Attend and register at each rally (beer optional). 2. KEEP WEARING your rally wrist band from the Boise and Colorado rallies until you register in Vermont. You must be wearing BOTH prior rally wristbands OR have complete registration paperwork to validate your ride. 3. As you pass through the ‘MOA Country Store to get your ‘MOA Vermont rally pin & patch your wrist bands (or paperwork) will qualify you for your special “Peaks Of America Tour” pin. How easy is that?

This is a great way to take home a special reminder of the ride you wanted to take anyway, so don’t miss out! Visit the respective web sites below for additional information. See you on the road! .

[Emoto]

The POA page

Peaks of America Tour March 11, 2006



THREE RALLIES
THREE WEEKENDS
THREE THOUSAND MILES

Sometimes the sun, the moon, and the stars all align and something happens that never has before. This is one of those times!

In July of 2006 there will be three excellent rallies within three weeks of each other spanning much of the United States. First is the BMW RA “Discover Yourself In Idaho” Rally in Boise, ID, July 6th through the 9th. The following weekend is the famous Colorado BMW Club’s “Top O’ The Rockies” Rally, July 13th though the 16th in Paonia, CO, and finally there’s the BMW MOA “Vermont, It’s Not Flat!” Rally in Burlington, VT, July 20th through 23rd.

Even the old-timers can’t remember such an alignment of national and regional rallies. If ever there was a reason bordering on a mandate to ride your BMW across the U.S., this is it.

To recognize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, all three rally sponsoring organizations are cooperating to reward those hardy souls who show the good sense to attend all three events with a special commemorative “Peaks Of America Tour” pin! After all, riding BMWs long miles and attending great rallies is what we are all about.

In addition to this pin, participants in this cross country adventure will also be eligible for some traditional awards presented at the ‘MOA closing ceremonies, including a POA long distance mileage award. Participation couldn’t be easier: 1. Attend and register at each rally (beer optional). 2. KEEP WEARING your rally wrist band from the Boise and Colorado rallies until you register in Vermont. You must be wearing BOTH prior rally wristbands OR have complete registration paperwork to validate your ride. 3. As you pass through the ‘MOA Country Store to get your ‘MOA Vermont rally pin & patch your wrist bands (or paperwork) will qualify you for your special “Peaks Of America Tour” pin. How easy is that?

This is a great way to take home a special reminder of the ride you wanted to take anyway, so don’t miss out! Visit the respective web sites below for additional information. See you on the road! .

Maybe I'm a little slow, but can someone point out to me where it says that POA participants will be recognized at the closing ceremonies? :dunno

[SheRidesABeemer]

.

First time I've read that. Seems like a light hearted way to make your way to the National Rally. You go to three rallys, keep your wristband and get a pin.

[wuli959]

based on all the comments here regarding the useless fluff of the ride awards given out at the international rally, why are any of these types of awards given out?

just pass out the grand prizes and be done with it. :dunno

or better yet skip the award ceremony all together and announce the grand prize winners in the the next ON or on the MOA website. :brow

[SheRidesABeemer]

based on all the comments here regarding the useless fluff of the ride awards given out at the international rally, why are any of these types of awards given out?

just pass out the grand prizes and be done with it. :dunno

or better yet skip the award ceremony all together and announce the grand prize winners in the the next ON or on the MOA website. :brow

Why are awards given out? Because it's a closing ceremony.
Ceremony:
A formal act or set of acts performed as prescribed by ritual or custom: a wedding ceremony;
Strict observance of formalities or etiquette: The head of state was welcomed with full ceremony.

As a culture we like to acknowledge people and their accomplishments. The people receiving the awards enjoy them. The people complaining the most are probably people who can not envision themselves being eligible for or winning any of the awards. They are $5 plaques that make the recipients smile. When my daughter turns 16 she hopes to collect "youngest rider" awards. This will make her happy, even if you don't care.

If people are so jaded and bitter towards awards and recognition, may I suggest you skip the ceremony. But many of us do enjoy applauding the efforts of others.

[Sue]

If people are so jaded and bitter towards awards and recognition, may I suggest you skip the ceremony. But many of us do enjoy applauding the efforts of others.

:clap

Well said!

[AZ Greg]

As a culture we like to acknowledge people and their accomplishments. The people receiving the awards enjoy them. The people complaining the most are probably people who can not envision themselves being eligible for or winning any of the awards. They are $5 plaques that make the recipients smile. When my daughter turns 16 she hopes to collect "youngest rider" awards. This will make her happy, even if you don't care.

Looks like you are making the argument for the originator of this thread. Please refer to my previous post #84 for my idea for the closing ceremony.

The problem of our society today is that we feel we need to be recognized which has permeated education, sports, and politics. Children today receive trophies for "participating," everyone "makes the team," look at me I did something, as Robert DeNiro's character said in Meet the Fockers "I didn't know they gave out ribbons for ninth place."

Nuf said . . . :bolt

[StevieWonder]

Children today receive trophies for "participating," everyone "makes the team," look at me I did something, as Robert DeNiro's character said in Meet the Fockers "I didn't know they gave out ribbons for ninth place."

:clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

[BradfordBenn]

They are $5 plaques that make the recipients smile. When my daughter turns 16 she hopes to collect "youngest rider" awards. This will make her happy, even if you don't care.

Shhhh you weren't supposed to tell
:nyah

The way I look at it, it is important to someone, that is all that matters. If it is not important to me the least I can be is respectful. If it doesn't matter to you, just don't enter like many did not. If it makes someone happy, what is the harm.

You can't make everyone happy at the same time, I just hope to make everyone equally content :)

[ballen262]

ballen - why the heck are you so hung up on the fact that the rally was not celebrated in the manner that it was promoted in the announcement? you bring this up, over and over and over. your reaction is akin to a person who has been lied to about something very, very important.

i've met vietnam vets who were less upset about being treated shabbily when they got home than you are about not being asked to stand up and get applause for taking a longer, better vacation that most people have the time/'money to take.

please explain this.
Ok, in the same sense where on their did they say they WOULDNT recognize the one who did do it????????????

To me and the ones I have talked to about the POA and the ones who have PM me so far, is that if you take the time to put a full web page up about this POA, ONCE IN A LIFETIME DEAL, and you are doing it to get the younger generation and old friends to come together, you hype it up as they did, and if you read closely it says ALONG WITH SOME OF THE AWARDS GIVEN FOR THE POA, ONE,,, BEING LONGEST MILES, SO THAT SAYS PLURAL, BUT ONLY ONE PRIZE WAS GIVEN.

Now out of all the things talked about at closing ceremonies the peaks tour was talked about the least.

SO NOW MY QUESTION TO YOU ALL, IF ONLY TO GET A PIN FOR DOING THIS, BESIDES WHAT EACH GOT OUT OF IT ON OUR OWN PERSONAL WAY, WHY WHY PUT A FULL WEB PAGE UP ABOUT IT.

WHY NOT JUST PUT SOME WORDS DOWN ON THE MAIN PAGE OF THE SITE THAT IF YOU BY CHANCE HIT ALL THREE RALLYS YOU CAN GET THIS COOL PIN.

ANYONE ANYONE.

What I got from this ride personally is and should not be used as an excuse to say who cares about the hype of the POA as advertised, and why they even did the POA, why only one award was given when they said more than one.

Mostly in what I said about all this is this MOA screwed up about this, as they really could of boasted about this POA in closing ceremonies because only a few was able to do it, I see the ones who did do the POA as being more cooler than a bike given away, as only one can enjoy the bike, but several more could of enjoyed the glory of doing what they did being recognized by the audience, and imagine what the future could bring from ones who wished they could of done this, they will wait tooth and nail to see something in the future come up as they saw how the ones who did the POA got recognized.

Sorry but its things like the free bike and the other things that drive many to come to the rallies, give nothing away, how many do you think will show up????

[StevieWonder]

You're breakin' my heart.

It was in YOUR mind that you tied a promoted event to some stage time. This is about YOU getting some press coverage and notoriety. As I stated before, your motivation was misplaced when you put publicity over enjoyment.

[SHAG]

Out of all that took place I would love to hear from all who did the POA, as I did start a thread on just that.

I enjoyed to Peaks Tour. I went thru 19 states in 23 days & checked off a lot of things from my "to see" list. I went to Iowa City, Bismarck, Missoula & rode Lo-Lo Pass to Boise. The RA Rally was great although I expected twice the attendance. I shared half a trailer in Rachel, Nv at the Lil'A'Le'inn with a guy & 6 others showed up from the RA. I rode the 12 mile dirt road to the East gate of Area 51 that evening & the 18 mile dirt road to the main gate the next morning that starts at the Big White Mailbox. We were passed by a truck halfway that was doing about 70mph. We were going 45. We got off our bikes at the main gate & saw the truck with 2 guys looking at us with binoculars. At that moment a big bus came flying around the corner all blacked out doing about 60mph & left us in a cloud of dust as he breezed the gate! We left for Hoover Dam, then stayed in Las Vegas. The next day was part of Historic Rt66 then up 64 to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. On to the 4 Corners & ended up in Farmington, Nm for the night. The next day 550 from Durango to Montrose was spectacular! We made it Paonia & camped 4 nights at the rally. Had a great time at my first TOR Rally. The ride to Denver was good. Then we hit the flats with the Blast Furnace the rest of the day thru Kansas & stayed in Topeka. I-70 again to Columbus on Monday, then home to mow grass & do laundry. Left the next morning for Essex Junction by way of 9n from Lake George & across the bridge to the Expo! Camped 4 nites at the rally. I missed most of the closing arguments.

Anyway, I traveled 7250 miles to do the 3 events! Stayed in a 8 different Motel 6's. Camped 12 nights. Saw a lot of things I've wanted to see for many years. I had no bike or equipment problems! (GPS does not work out by Area 51). The only bad day was from Denver to Topeka! That's the most miserable day I've ever had on a motorsickle! Those who went that way know what I mean.

I was surprised that they didn't ask for a show of hands for those doing the Peaks Tour at the closing ceremonies of the RA & TOR Rallies! It would have been a great way to get to know the others & maybe get a group picture.
Made some new friends along the way & took hundreds of pictures!

See you in West Bend next year Ballen :wave Off to Mid-Ohio in the morning

[ballen262]

I was surprised that they didn't ask for a show of hands for those doing the Peaks Tour at the closing ceremonies of the RA & TOR Rallies! It would have been a great way to get to know the others & maybe get a group picture.
Made some new friends along the way & took hundreds of pictures!

See you in West Bend next year Ballen :wave Off to Mid-Ohio in the morning
This sentence says it all, its a group thing, I would of loved to look around in the stands to see who I could of met who also did the tour, share experiences like the furnace across Kansas.
As also I was trying to find someone to hook up doing the POA, as I was solo, and would of loved the most to get hook up with some other riders in Boise, or even TOR rallies.

A group picture of the ones who did it also says allot in what I am talking about.

Thanks shag for helping me put some good words out about this.

[ballen262]

You're breakin' my heart.

It was in YOUR mind that you tied a promoted event to some stage time. This is about YOU getting some press coverage and notoriety. As I stated before, your motivation was misplaced when you put publicity over enjoyment.
Sorry I am breaking your heart, its not my intent.

And I will admit, I have been known for poor grammar.

[BradfordBenn]

I will also say that no change has ever happened when everyone was happy with the status quo. I appreciatte your comments, even if I don't agree with all of them.

[Mika]

You titled this thread:
Moa Messed Up Bad On This One For Me

This is not intended as a clever word game but you are part of MOA. You may have a legitimate grip, you are part of MOA get involved in the organization and help improve what you see is wrong. This is a member driven organization. The mother-ship does not run it as Harley does with H.O.G. and it is not run to offset the expenses of some third party company.

I assume never tried to contact anyone about your concerns at the time because the post time of your first posts ever was 9.07 PM July 22 the night of closing ceremonies. There are many things in your posts that I can understand and agree with but the way it starts is rude by not approaching the people in charge before going public. If I am wrong, I do apologize, this is the filter that I have viewed all your post threw.

You indicate you are new to the forum, and I assume new to both RA and MOA as a member. In your opening post you wrote:

But I do know I dont need to pay a yearly fee to MOA and be apart of an organization that cant even take the time to recognize the ones who took 3 plus weeks, money, time away from family, time from work, to do a """""""ONCE IN A LIFETIME HYPED UP TRY AND GET PEOPLE TO MORE RALLYS TO GET YOU TO SPEND MONEY"""""

Take the time to read the bye-laws the national rallies of both organizations are mandated annual events. The third rally sandwich nicely in between the two nationals and is considered by many to be a must do at least once. T-shirts and fund raising are part of the rallies but the rallies would be required of the organizations even if they did not sell them. The third rally in this rally in this triple crown is a club organized event like other clubs may run.

Take the time to understand the national organizations you will realize they are volunteer organizations each with a small paid staff. The chair of the 2007 rally is already working and the site selection committee is working on 2008 and 2009. Some of their expenses are picked up but their time is volunteered. I do not care what your age volunteered time is time away from something else that could be more fun.

I am smack in the middle of the age range of MOA the last time I saw it. I am drifting to the north side every day. It gives me a different perspective than yours about age. I continue to learn about bikes from my fellow members – young, old, male and female. Sometimes it is some great bit of information, sometimes it is a big screw up I want to avoid, but I learn.

There is something you and I may learn about business from “some old timer” who rode the event. How did they change their key-man operation (def: a business dependent on one person to make money) in to a business that they could leave and still support their riding habit.

I am really wondering what it is that I am to learn from you.

In the other related thread you started you stated that you did not think ON would publish the information you solicited. I do not know. Before you blast Vince and ON for not publishing it in the August ON keep in mind that, if memory is correct, the Rally Issue of ON has been the October issue. Write E-mail or PM Vince and he can fill you in. I have contacted him with questions in the past and is good about responding. The delay in the Rally issue is so that the volunteers can get home and get their lives back in order while they put the information they will pass along in order.

For all of us who have pandered in our responses because we did not want to offend we were wrong after the ninth post. Yes we should not offend but I think how this was presented was wrong and unfairly slammed fellow members who volunteered. No matter how right he may be on any of the issues the approach was poor at best.

“DONT GET IT.

IN A YEAR OR SO FROM NOW WILL ANYONE REALLY KNOW WHAT THE PEAK OF AMERICA TOUR WAS ABOUT, I DONT THINK ANYONE WILL.
REMEMBER IT WAS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME DEAL, RIGHT.”

I am sorry you don’t get it at this time. In a year or so I think the POA tour will be remembered and if this is your only contribution to MOA you will not be remembered. 100 years from now no one is likely to remember any of this.

All of this and a buck will get you a bad cup of coffee and change at the Lilydale gas station. If you ever make it my way and if I am home I make you a better one. Stay long enough and maybe we can have a glass of Blackbush look out over the Mississippi from the bluff outside my door and watch the eagles.

If my count is right your thread has made it to number 19 in rank of views on the Rally Forum. Maybe its time for all of us to put it to rest… at least for tonight.

[ballen262]

You titled this thread:
Moa Messed Up Bad On This One For Me


If my count is right your thread has made it to number 19 in rank of views on the Rally Forum. Maybe its time for all of us to put it to rest… at least for tonight.
As I hope you all know I posted in this 4M first, as I knew the ones involved planning, volunteering, would read it as constructive criticism.

I want everyone to know I am new to this, many will just say noting and walk away, and you will all sit back and ask why do they not come back, I share how I feel, sorry if it offends many, not my intent, if what I say helps just one person thats one person difference, or have we stopped to think of the one, and only think of the size of the group that is already their, as the greatest thing for me as well for this rally was it was a record attendance.
Sturgges for Harley Davidson in South Dakota has about 750,000 people show up for it, can we get that high, nothing wrong with trying, right.

I have had several come to me and agree they would love to of been a show of hands, a group picture, what have ya, from the ones who attended POA.

If ya all say its what I may try to get for my own personal gain, you all who say this show to me I am in the wrong place, and I should not be apart of this group who think that if we share our thoughts no matter how odd they may be to some we get whipped by the rope.

On guy PM me and I told him to post what he said to me, and I have yet to see it as I feel he is afraid to be whipped by the ones who have whipped me for sharing my feelings about how I feel the MOA messed up bad on this.

MOA messed up because they could of taken this POA to a great level of driving a future response of riders looking to do new and adventurous challenges or what have you.

I may not have great grammar on the keyboard, PM me and I will pass ya my number and would love to talk on the phone to anyone who may be confused by what I say, I invite anyone to call me.

Now lets see how many will call.

[Mika]

As I hope you all know I posted in this 4M first, as I knew the ones involved planning, volunteering, would read it as constructive criticism.

I want everyone to know I am new to this, many will just say noting and walk away, and you will all sit back and ask why do they not come back, I share how I feel, sorry if it offends many, not my intent,
Now lets see how many will call.

Fair enough. We may not agree on everything, don't know what I would have to call about at this point. If your ever in the state of confusion stop in Lilydale and I will make you coffee or we can have a drink.

[Emoto]

As I hope you all know I posted in this 4M first, as I knew the ones involved planning, volunteering, would read it as constructive criticism.

I want everyone to know I am new to this, many will just say noting and walk away, and you will all sit back and ask why do they not come back, I share how I feel, sorry if it offends many, not my intent, if what I say helps just one person thats one person difference, or have we stopped to think of the one, and only think of the size of the group that is already their, as the greatest thing for me as well for this rally was it was a record attendance.
Sturgges for Harley Davidson in South Dakota has about 750,000 people show up for it, can we get that high, nothing wrong with trying, right.

I have had several come to me and agree they would love to of been a show of hands, a group picture, what have ya, from the ones who attended POA.

If ya all say its what I may try to get for my own personal gain, you all who say this show to me I am in the wrong place, and I should not be apart of this group who think that if we share our thoughts no matter how odd they may be to some we get whipped by the rope.

On guy PM me and I told him to post what he said to me, and I have yet to see it as I feel he is afraid to be whipped by the ones who have whipped me for sharing my feelings about how I feel the MOA messed up bad on this.

MOA messed up because they could of taken this POA to a great level of driving a future response of riders looking to do new and adventurous challenges or what have you.

I may not have great grammar on the keyboard, PM me and I will pass ya my number and would love to talk on the phone to anyone who may be confused by what I say, I invite anyone to call me.

Now lets see how many will call.

I really don't think that anyone has been offended by what you've posted. Clearly, you have strong feelings about this, and you're entitled to feel any way you want (even if I threaten calling the whaaaaaaaambulance :p ) but the thing I get from reading everyone else's response is that nobody can understand why you feel so strongly about it. Yes, you've posted numerous explanations hinging around $, time away from family/business, etc., but we all kind of do that on some level, so it isn't really anything unique. (not to belittle your situation)

Anyhow... how about we turn this into an even more constructive direction? Instead of looking backward, how about if we look forward?

Presumably, the fact that you feel this way, and are less than happy about it, means that you might want to prevent others from feeling the same way. Am I right, so far? If so, I am here to tell you that you can have a DIRECT IMPACT on how recognition is handled at the Wisconsin Rally. You can volunteer to be part of the committee that handles awards and whatnot. How about it? You can help to work to ensure that things don't fall through the cracks. You can put your energy toward making a difference. All this stuff is done by volunteers, and people who feel strongly about something are likely to do a good job. How about it?

[HadABabyItsABeemer]

I think it's all a conspiracy that leads back to the Beer Garden !!!!!!!!!!!!! :p

[PacWestGS]

I think it's all a conspiracy that leads back to the Beer Garden !!!!!!!!!!!!! :p

You mean like the "Forum Fizzle"? (5-8 PM Friday night when most of the Regulars where serving beer and not drinking beer?)

:bottle

[tessler]

I was cold handed then dispensing the evening medication. Did I have a med error ? :hungoverAt least I received a dose from the dispensary!

[Belquar]

Wow to your accomplishment. Sounds like it would have been a great ride. I don't have that kind of time and money to toss out.

Wow to your need to be recognized. Congrats. You did it. You are a winner. Iron Butt Rally does more miles in less time. Do that if you want some recognition. It is actually a competition.

Wow to your desire to leave the MOA because of this. Ya know what they say about doors. I worked registration at the rally. Couple of folks showed me their armbands. I said...wow I bet that was fun. Tough Too. I am not a long haul rider. 500 mile days are about tops for me. Stops being fun after that for me. Those who enjoy it....more power too them. Different strokes. Given the time separation and what not 7750 is less than 400 a day in three weeks.

Everyone here thinks those who did the Tour have accomplished something they wish they could have. Consider yourself blessed for being able too. Remember that there are those in this world who can not do such things because they have to focus more of their energy on their responsibilities.

As for recognition at the rally....I believe you got it....they set up a special booth just for you to come get a pin/patch and a handshake. As for your pins on your hat, jacket or wherever you wear them....if it ain't a congressional medal of honor or something like that received for service of a greater good....I could give a crap as I am sure most would agree. And the folks who have those don't parade them around. They carry their honor with class and remember what it cost. And I don't mean monitary cost.

Anyway....congrats on your accomplishment. I second the notions about posting pics and a ride report. Now go hug your family and remember there is more important stuff going on in this world than folks riding motorcycles for fun.

Brian

[Emoto]

You mean like the "Forum Fizzle"? (5-8 PM Friday night when most of the Regulars where serving beer and not drinking beer?)

:bottle

Hey, I was there!

[ballen262]

I really don't think that anyone has been offended by what you've posted. Clearly, you have strong feelings about this, and you're entitled to feel any way you want (even if I threaten calling the whaaaaaaaambulance :p ) but the thing I get from reading everyone else's response is that nobody can understand why you feel so strongly about it. Yes, you've posted numerous explanations hinging around $, time away from family/business, etc., but we all kind of do that on some level, so it isn't really anything unique. (not to belittle your situation)

Anyhow... how about we turn this into an even more constructive direction? Instead of looking backward, how about if we look forward?

Presumably, the fact that you feel this way, and are less than happy about it, means that you might want to prevent others from feeling the same way. Am I right, so far? If so, I am here to tell you that you can have a DIRECT IMPACT on how recognition is handled at the Wisconsin Rally. You can volunteer to be part of the committee that handles awards and whatnot. How about it? You can help to work to ensure that things don't fall through the cracks. You can put your energy toward making a difference. All this stuff is done by volunteers, and people who feel strongly about something are likely to do a good job. How about it?

Already took that step in looking into the future, PM them, but they are not responding back, came up with a great idea, but they need to call me in order to make it come to light.

[ballen262]

Wow to your accomplishment. Sounds like it would have been a great ride. I don't have that kind of time and money to toss out.

Wow to your need to be recognized. Congrats. You did it. You are a winner. Iron Butt Rally does more miles in less time. Do that if you want some recognition. It is actually a competition.

Wow to your desire to leave the MOA because of this. Ya know what they say about doors. I worked registration at the rally. Couple of folks showed me their armbands. I said...wow I bet that was fun. Tough Too. I am not a long haul rider. 500 mile days are about tops for me. Stops being fun after that for me. Those who enjoy it....more power too them. Different strokes. Given the time separation and what not 7750 is less than 400 a day in three weeks.

Everyone here thinks those who did the Tour have accomplished something they wish they could have. Consider yourself blessed for being able too. Remember that there are those in this world who can not do such things because they have to focus more of their energy on their responsibilities.

As for recognition at the rally....I believe you got it....they set up a special booth just for you to come get a pin/patch and a handshake. As for your pins on your hat, jacket or wherever you wear them....if it ain't a congressional medal of honor or something like that received for service of a greater good....I could give a crap as I am sure most would agree. And the folks who have those don't parade them around. They carry their honor with class and remember what it cost. And I don't mean monitary cost.

Anyway....congrats on your accomplishment. I second the notions about posting pics and a ride report. Now go hug your family and remember there is more important stuff going on in this world than folks riding motorcycles for fun.

Brian
Thanks for the patt on the back but as I read your post I hate to tell ya without being rude but your missing the point.

Its about recognizing all not just one.
Already others who did the POA have admitted it would be nice to of had a group picture, or raise of hands who did the tour, the POA was not even talked about at the RA or Colorado Rallies.

And they where selling left-over POA shirts and POA pins to individuals who did not do the tour.

And I have already come back and said sorry for bringing up the money part of it, that part of what I said was not right, as I would of spent that either way.

[Mika]

Patience, if you PM people will respond but in their own time. Not everyone is glued to their pc over the weekend. It has to be cool enough to ride someplace in this country.

[kbasa]

Anyhow... how about we turn this into an even more constructive direction? Instead of looking backward, how about if we look forward?

Presumably, the fact that you feel this way, and are less than happy about it, means that you might want to prevent others from feeling the same way. Am I right, so far? If so, I am here to tell you that you can have a DIRECT IMPACT on how recognition is handled at the Wisconsin Rally. You can volunteer to be part of the committee that handles awards and whatnot. How about it? You can help to work to ensure that things don't fall through the cracks. You can put your energy toward making a difference. All this stuff is done by volunteers, and people who feel strongly about something are likely to do a good job. How about it?

Nicely stated. If you don't like the way things get done, get involved. We're happy to have the help.

It sure gets a lot more done than whining all over a forum about something that can't be changed.

[kbasa]

Already took that step in looking into the future, PM them, but they are not responding back, came up with a great idea, but they need to call me in order to make it come to light.

I'm not sure who "them" is, but the rally chairs are out doing the riding they haven't done for the last year or so.

[Callmethebreeze]

I'm not sure who "them" is, but the rally chairs are out doing the riding they haven't done for the last year or so.

Ditto Sausage Boy. I'm hoping that 11 months and 3 weeks is enough time for our friend to throw down and volunteer.
BTW, I didn't see your august visage at the FF on Friday. I was pouring beer versus drinking it but we all had a good time. There were rumors, intimations, insinuations but no conspiracies in evidence.
There was a photo op so Brad benn showed up. All in all a good time.
You would have been proud of us. We ferreted out every good looking woman within 50 feet of the bar. :bar


Breeze

[Belquar]

Thanks for the patt on the back but as I read your post I hate to tell ya without being rude but your missing the point.

Its about recognizing all not just one.
Already others who did the POA have admitted it would be nice to of had a group picture, or raise of hands who did the tour, the POA was not even talked about at the RA or Colorado Rallies.

And they where selling left-over POA shirts and POA pins to individuals who did not do the tour.

And I have already come back and said sorry for bringing up the money part of it, that part of what I said was not right, as I would of spent that either way.


I get the point. I understand where you are coming from. You take a circuitous route but I get it. And if you thought it was so important...at the time we were all gathered there....you should have walked up and said something. I know....easier said than done. But the entire rally is put on by volunteer effort. I volunteered for 4 hours in registration Thursday morning. It was non-stop work. BUSY. I could have volunteered more, but as it is I only got to do rally stuff on Friday and the time I spent in registration on Thursday. I brought my 10mos old with me and she has needs that needed attending too.

The guys who did the awards and tally....they had to go through each one of those little forms and cross reference number codes and DOB's and everything else. They did a stupendous job. I know what a difficulty it was because I was the guy making sure those forms were filled out, somewhat legible, and entering some of the codes on the forms. They probably didn't get a lot of "rally" time because they spent the weekend going through 9100 forms by hand. Tough Job. Thanks Guys. In an event of this magnitude it is natural for things to be overlooked. As for the other 125 participants....they aren't here upset about the way it turned out. Only you are....I would say if you were the "official" spokesperson for POA and you were voicing for all it would be less incredulous. It just comes across as "look at me" posturing.

You don't happen to ride a GS and park it on its side do you? :stick :D

Hope you get some pics up and post a report. I would still love to hear about everyone's ride.

[crazydrummerdude]

And they where selling left-over POA shirts and POA pins to individuals who did not do the tour.

Why shouldn't they? If they didn't, it would be like an ice cream man throwing away all the ice cream he didn't sell to kids that day.

..and if you're afraid of someone getting recognition for doing the ride that they didn't actually do, you're wasting your time. I have a feeling the conversation would go like this:
"Hey, I see your shirt, did you ride the POA?"
"No, they had extra shirts, and I felt like supporting the cause."
"Oh, well, you missed out, it was fun."

I have a motorcycle, because I want to ride a motorcycle, not because I wanted to become part of a club. I joined the MOA almost a year after I got my m/c, and I just might even not renew my membership because I'm more concerned with enjoying the bike than being a group member.

If you want recognition, save a baby, foil a bank robbery, whatever.

I use my toilet because I have to, not because I want to hear it flush.

[ballen262]

OK for the ones who have good insight in this help me with this one.

The ones in the beginning of the ceremonies volunteers the ones who where asked to stand up and be recognized are they any different than the riders who did the POA, some of the ones who stood up helped at the POA table.

It only took less than 30 seconds to recognize the volunteers and helpers, but what your saying then based on the posts your giving me in this thread that we dont need recognition for doing the POA, then why recognize the helpers and volunteers.

Dont get me wrong I believe in recognizing anything in a rally that puts anyone who did something significant noticed for what they did, as they did when they thanked everyone for showing up.

So I am getting that closing ceremonies should be do the drawings, give stuff away, say thanks to everyone as a whole, and close it by saying ride safe going home, see ya next year and that's it, less than 30 minutes to do that.

Now some of you are telling me I wasted my time answering the POA showing up to all three rallies for this pin and shirt deal, is that the reason only 125 did the POA, because it was a waste of time to take three full weeks to do it.
As we could of got from any ride the same we got from it.
Then I ask why did the POA take place, why promote it.

I got to the RA and I looked everywhere for the section for the POA goers, maybe to hook up with some riders, but nothing their, get to Colorado nothing their either.
Oh by the way the POA was this once in a lifetime deal.

[ballen262]

..and if you're afraid of someone getting recognition for doing the ride that they didn't actually do, you're wasting your time. I have a feeling the conversation would go like this:
"Hey, I see your shirt, did you ride the POA?"
"No, they had extra shirts, and I felt like supporting the cause."
"Oh, well, you missed out, it was fun."

I have a motorcycle, because I want to ride a motorcycle, not because I wanted to become part of a club. I joined the MOA almost a year after I got my m/c, and I just might even not renew my membership because I'm more concerned with enjoying the bike than being a group member.

If you want recognition, save a baby, foil a bank robbery, whatever.


I use my toilet because I have to, not because I want to hear it flush.


BE A VOLENTEER YOU CAN GET RECONIZED,

AND I USE THE TOLET TO GET RID OF WASTE, AND I FLUSH AS TO NOT LET THE NEXT USER SEE MY WASTE.

Please dont tell me you condone the selling of items set aside for only the ones who did what they did, and justify it by saying they bought it to support it.

I can see the shirts going to a needy organization for ones who cant afford clothing, I can think of many who could use a good shirts regardless of what it says.

My thought would be is to find a way not to have extra next time.

[username]

ok, ballen, i'm going to out you in the "makes mountains out of molehills" category. i think you're a little goofy. that's ok, we're all a little goofy.

i have three comments:

1. it isn't that hard to put up an "entire webpage." so just because someone puts up an "entire webpage," it doesn't mean that the subject of said "entire webpage" is ever going to be widely celebrated, or whatever.

2. i'll echo what others have said: you need to STFU and volunteer for the closing ceremonies of the next rally, and then you can make sure it is done right.

3. lastly, that's how this club works - there is no "them" there is only "us." so if WE don't like something OUR club did, WE need to make sure WE do everything WE can to make OUR club better. that includes YOU.

congrats on your ride and your long, kickass vacation. now please stop whining about the past and get involved in the future.

[Mika]

http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally/rally06/poa.htm
The above is the POA page you keep referencing. You were promised to be “ELIGIBLE FOR some TRADITIONAL awards.” It is obvious that you don’t understand what traditional is in MOA. Traditional does include things like the youngest attendee and youngest rider awards. Those are traditions as old as registration forms for everything from Lutefisk dinners to International MOA Rallies. Get over it.

Want to understand what the organization values as traditional awards check out these links.
http://www.bmwmoa.org/service/service.htm
http://www.bmwmoafoundation.org/
http://www.bmwmoa.org/mileage/MileageAward.htm
If you look at them don’t get an ageist attitude because some of the people involved in them are your age and younger. They get a pin and recognition in ON and the web site.

You have had the MOA Rally Chair and originator of the idea for POA respond to you. You have had other chairs from both MOA and RA respond to you. All have tried to explain what and the why of the changes in closing ceremonies, and each has expressed there regrets that more did not happen.

MOA is a 37,000 member association. I couldn’t find the numbers for RA but I believe it is smaller. It does not matter because I am guessing at least half of us belong to both. You have had a couple chances to exit gracefully. Your rhetoric is becoming counter productive to those you protest you are speaking for and for those of us that would like to see MOA and RA get along. POA was a big deal but a small first step in that bigger goal. The following is from the RA web site.

"RA's relations with BMW MOA have evolved from cold to cordial, while RA's relations with BMW of North America have evolved from distant to close…
RA is not under the illusion that its methods are for everyone, but we think we are the ticket for the "serious BMW rider." He or she may not agree with us, but they ignore us at their peril."

RA doesn’t have a web forum at this time. The way you brought this up and the way you have kept it up do you think you would have been received better there?

username summed it up well.
3. lastly, that's how this club works - there is no "them" there is only "us." so if WE don't like something OUR club did, WE need to make sure WE do everything WE can to make OUR club better. that includes YOU.

congrats on your ride and your long, kickass vacation. now please stop whining about the past and get involved in the future.

[ballen262]

I joined the MOA for the road side insurance, and the other little benefits before I left on the trip, little extra insurance does help, the book I got as a member is also great.

Now STFU and do something about it, is exactly what I am doing, I have even tried to get someone on the inside part of the MOA to call me, and after he said he would I waited but no call, but did see him online while I was waiting.
Its ok I am sure he is busy, but like other 4M's I have been on they never call.

But maybe he needs more time, which is fine, just saying that I am trying to do more, So end the STFU AS I AM ALREADY DOING THAT.

I am simply responding back to the ones who are asking me questions, I started the thread, and simply replying in it, and not in the other threads.

I am still waiting for a reply back on my last post, still not answered.

Think of it, lets keep it professional, you ask me a question, I answer ya back and maybe ask a couple more, its a 4M to help one another out.

So please someone answer my last couple questions, as I have answered back to all the ones asked of me.

[ballen262]

OK for the ones who have good insight in this help me with this one.

The ones in the beginning of the ceremonies volunteers the ones who where asked to stand up and be recognized are they any different than the riders who did the POA, some of the ones who stood up helped at the POA table.

It only took less than 30 seconds to recognize the volunteers and helpers, but what your saying then based on the posts your giving me in this thread that we dont need recognition for doing the POA, then why recognize the helpers and volunteers.

Dont get me wrong I believe in recognizing anything in a rally that puts anyone who did something significant noticed for what they did, as they did when they thanked everyone for showing up.

So I am getting that closing ceremonies should be do the drawings, give stuff away, say thanks to everyone as a whole, and close it by saying ride safe going home, see ya next year and that's it, less than 30 minutes to do that.

Now some of you are telling me I wasted my time answering the POA showing up to all three rallies for this pin and shirt deal, is that the reason only 125 did the POA, because it was a waste of time to take three full weeks to do it.
As we could of got from any ride the same we got from it.
Then I ask why did the POA take place, why promote it.

I got to the RA and I looked everywhere for the section for the POA goers, maybe to hook up with some riders, but nothing their, get to Colorado nothing their either.
Oh by the way the POA was this once in a lifetime deal.

This is what I am still waiting on for an answer to. ANYONE

Many of you have helped me a ton on how the MOA works, and why we really ride, the benefits, understand what WE means, and to get involved, why some like to not have a long ceremony, why some feel recognition is not needed based on their own personal reasons.

But I still dont know why they even did a POA tour, and hyped it up like they did.
Most of the reasons I have seen so far for the POA, we could of done by just riding anyway to the rallies out their.

And what makes any person any different for something they did significant to not be recognized for it.

Just looking for something that will help me understand this.

Again I say PM me and I will call anyone and talk by phone that feels they have something they can say to help me, instead of wasting any more time typing about it.

Just PM me lets talk, ANYONE

[Mika]

the rally chairs are out doing the riding they haven't done for the last year or so.

If this is serious "This is what I am still waiting on for an answer to. ANYONE"
Look at post 33. Take the time to write him off line. Take the President's comment in to account. Give him some time to respond. He will. You have had the oportunity in the past to ask followups questions if you really took the time to read his response and ask in a timely basis but you missed it. Now he needs some R&R himself.

If you are not serious and are just postering stop.

[85801]

I know you may feel cheated but consider the no-win position the organizers are in. They are damned if they recognize folks at the closing ceremonies for being too long winded, and damned if they don't because people get their feelings hurt. In the end, you had a great time and you are going to have years of lies to tell at other events. Congrats on your ride, to the organizers for all the work they put in.

[Mika]

And what makes any person any different for something they did significant to not be recognized for it.

My mother and the Dahlai Lama agree on the answer to this one...because. :wave

[ballen262]

Greetings,

Just so you know we gutted the closing ceremony because of the weather.

45 minutes before the ceremony we were discussing alternatives if we had to cancel. There were storm cells moving through the area with high winds, driving rain and lightning. One fallback was to simply stand up and call numbers, the other was to have a drawing at the office in St. Louis in a week and webcast it. We would have had to clear the grandstands if any of these cells were going to pass directly over the site; we had people monitoring weather radar and the facility had a local weather guy providing updates every five minutes.

We hacked a bunch of fluff and asked every presenter to keep it as brief as possible to give us the best shot at giving out all the grand prizes.

I am sorry all the folks who completed the POA tour were not recognized and thanked for participating. As the person who came up with the idea I would have liked it to get more attention, however knowing 160 or so people enjoyed the experience is plenty.

Thanks for riding the POA and thank you for joining us in Vermont.

Best,
And I believe I said this was fair enough, but we where already their, less than thirty seconds to have show of hands, or stand up.

I feel that based on this the reason it was dropped because their was only 160 and not more who showed up, they had many shirts and pins left over.

But the story to the POA I keep telling everyone is that ONLY 125 was able to make it, very hard to find the three weeks for anyone to make it.

Out of 9100 who attended only 160 made it, to that is a story, and a great challenge of the POA.

I appreciate robnye for taking the time to post, and share some insight on the closing ceremony, and wished it could of been noticed more, as this is why I brought it up, as I did notice that is was not recognized like it should of.

Im not losing any sleep over it, just sharing my thoughts on it.

I had been watching the weather very close that day and night before the ceremony as I was looking to head up to Canada after the ceremony, and the weather was going to let up by Sat night with lighter showers over night, and sunday clearing up.
Which it did not, it was pretty bad in the morn of Sun, but got better later in the day.

[goferu]

Whining...I have heard whining ad nauseam in here, by other members, who have been frustrated.......so now it is your turn to be frustrated. Whine away..You are a paying member.

You are right, if the volunteers and helpers got recognition, then the 125 members of the POA should have too. Asking the 125 to stand, and get a hand from the audience, is called common courtesy and respect. Taking time to show fellow members respect, makes the core of any group stronger.

Are we letting a few members, who can't be patient, influence the the closing ceremonies? Are we catering to a few vocal adults, who are acting like impatient children who are gonna whine if they have to sit still for a little longer?...This type of behavior, is commonly called, "momma how much longer is it going to take to geeeeeeeeeeeeeeet thereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee", syndrome.

Here is an idea, how about making the closing ceremonies more interesting, so people won't want to leave? HMMMMM, a novel idea!!!!!...

I did hear an apology from one of the organisers in the forum... I don't think, this lack of recogniton was done intentionally....So instead of telling you to stop your whining...I will tell you that I truly believe most MOA members give you a high^ 5 for doing the POA....

Did ya take any pics??? Post them if ya did....

[ballen262]

Whining...I have heard whining ad nauseam in here, by other members, who have been frustrated.......so now it is your turn to be frustrated. Whine away..You are a paying member.

You are right, if the volunteers and helpers got recognition, then the 125 members of the POA should have too. Asking the 125 to stand, and get a hand from the audience, is called common courtesy and respect. Taking time to show fellow members respect, makes the core of any group stronger.

Are we letting a few members, who can't be patient, influence the the closing ceremonies? Are we catering to a few vocal adults, who are acting like impatient children who are gonna whine if they have to sit still for a little longer?...This type of behavior, is commonly called, "momma how much longer is it going to take to geeeeeeeeeeeeeeet thereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee", syndrome.

Here is an idea, how about making the closing ceremonies more interesting, so people won't want to leave? HMMMMM, a novel idea!!!!!...

I did hear an apology from one of the organisers in the forum... I don't think, this lack of recognition was done intentionally....So instead of telling you to stop your whining...I will tell you that I truly believe most MOA members give you a high^ 5 for doing the POA....

Did ya take any pics??? Post them if ya did....
Why cant most of everyone on this thread be as honest as you have just been.

You put two words down that says exactly what I have been trying to say all along,

Common courtesy
and respect.

Amen
Every person who I met, either vendors, volunteers, you name it the words I said to them where "thanks for being here".

[wuli959]

Why are awards given out? Because it's a closing ceremony.
Ceremony:
A formal act or set of acts performed as prescribed by ritual or custom: a wedding ceremony;
Strict observance of formalities or etiquette: The head of state was welcomed with full ceremony.

As a culture we like to acknowledge people and their accomplishments. The people receiving the awards enjoy them. The people complaining the most are probably people who can not envision themselves being eligible for or winning any of the awards. They are $5 plaques that make the recipients smile. When my daughter turns 16 she hopes to collect "youngest rider" awards. This will make her happy, even if you don't care.

If people are so jaded and bitter towards awards and recognition, may I suggest you skip the ceremony. But many of us do enjoy applauding the efforts of others.

thanks for making the original poster's point :thumb

wonder why others don't do the same . . . :D

[Mika]

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11949

Ballen262, Motard made one of the most salient observations in his post #6 in your other thread. I can understand that you are upset and can appreciate why you are upset.

You have suggested that you are certain that people will take it as constructive criticism. I do not think some people are taking it as constructive criticism. I think you are mistaking tolerance around here for understanding. The great thing around here is that people do listen to constructive criticism AND they listen to rants to because they believe there is an issue at the core of it that is causing the rant. The former is welcomed the latter is tolerated.

I am old fashion I guess. While I can see you point, and in many ways share a concern for the opportunity POA presented, I think you handled it poorly. I believe you should have tried to contact the people involved directly at the time and or after the rally instead of running to a computer and posting it to the group as a whole. Given the posts of Brad and Rob I feel you missed an opportunity to open a conversation with them and get your answers. You may not have liked them but you would have them.

I followed the development of POA with great interest. Even though I could not participate in it I followed Russ’ posts (I stopped reading it at one point and am waiting for the completed post to read it at one time.) I will follow your other thread because I am interested in what the riders have to say about their rides, what they rode, what they experienced so that I can learn from them and you. I do not care about their age. Now I follow the rally threads to learn because I have volunteered for Wisconsin and want to make certain what ever I end up being assigned is the best.

POA was an opportunity for a great ride, for the RA and MOA to better their relationship, and for many of us to enviously dream about what you did. I can not change what happened when it ended, no one can. So I am out of here. See you in another thread and hope to see you in Wisconsin.
:wave

[ballen262]

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11949

Ballen262, Motard made one of the most salient observations in his post #6 in your other thread. I can understand that you are upset and can appreciate why you are upset.

You have suggested that you are certain that people will take it as constructive criticism. I do not think some people are taking it as constructive criticism. I think you are mistaking tolerance around here for understanding. The great thing around here is that people do listen to constructive criticism AND they listen to rants to because they believe there is an issue at the core of it that is causing the rant. The former is welcomed the latter is tolerated.

I am old fashion I guess. While I can see you point, and in many ways share a concern for the opportunity POA presented, I think you handled it poorly. I believe you should have tried to contact the people involved directly at the time and or after the rally instead of running to a computer and posting it to the group as a whole. Given the posts of Brad and Rob I feel you missed an opportunity to open a conversation with them and get your answers. You may not have liked them but you would have them.

I followed the development of POA with great interest. Even though I could not participate in it I followed Russ’ posts (I stopped reading it at one point and am waiting for the completed post to read it at one time.) I will follow your other thread because I am interested in what the riders have to say about their rides, what they rode, what they experienced so that I can learn from them and you. I do not care about their age. Now I follow the rally threads to learn because I have volunteered for Wisconsin and want to make certain what ever I end up being assigned is the best.

POA was an opportunity for a great ride, for the RA and MOA to better their relationship, and for many of us to enviously dream about what you did. I can not change what happened when it ended, no one can. So I am out of here. See you in another thread and hope to see you in Wisconsin.
:wave
Thanks for taking the time with this post, and I was able to understand every word, and know where your coming from.

But in one sentence you talked about how I went about it the wrong way, well I am going to bring this up, but threw the respect of other people I did not at first bring this up, after the awards I approached an individual who plays in important role at one of the rally's I was at, though he did put me into prospective about how hard it is to run a rally, he did say this.

The individuals who where involved in doing the POA did not follow threw with all that needed to be done to bring the POA to the level it was supposed to be, and that the ones involved with the POA did not contact important individuals at the first to rally's, and that it was not properly organized, his biggest issue was that no one had called his rally upper leadership at all.

I did not bring this up earlier, because I did not want to single anyone out who may not want me to talk about them.

So I did not mention any names but will if this person would allow me to at the right time to the right people.

Could I of taken this to the higher ups before posting it here, well I wanted to get the feel from the ones who where there, and I really felt that I could get a good feeling if it was a waste of time to even bring it up to the higher ups based on the views it would get and the relies I got, and now I do know I have an obligation to speak with the higher ups to better everyone, or future members looking to be apart of the MOA.

I do know for a fact more than just me feels this way, and their was a reason I did the POA solo at that, besides just going on this adventure and what it did for me, we all serve a purpose and sorry I feel the way I do, its just that so many people are loosing the respect and common courtesy that others deserve to have for all good things done by them, and not blow it off because we are afraid of what one may think of us for bringing it up to ones attention when we feel we where ignored.

I know how I feel if I was to forget my wife's birthday, my sons birthday, anniversary, etc, etc,, I know these are way diffrent than a rally I did, but the feeling that one gets is the same.

You all have my word that yes I was the one to bring this up, and yes it is my responsibility to see it to the end and help in any way as it is the reason I joined the MOA, the final end result will dictate what will come from it, and let me know if the MOA is truly what it is, and I have no doubt in my mind it will go in the right direction.

[Emoto]

There are no "higher ups". There are only members like you and me. Some possess temporary titles, but they are just regular members in spite of that. You want it different, you do it next time.

[Rob Nye]

Thanks for taking the time with this post, and I was able to understand every word, and know where your coming from.

The individuals who where involved in doing the POA did not follow threw with all that needed to be done to bring the POA to the level it was supposed to be, and that the ones involved with the POA did not contact important individuals at the first to rally's, and that it was not properly organized, his biggest issue was that no one had called his rally upper leadership at all.

I did not bring this up earlier, because I did not want to single anyone out who may not want me to talk about them.

So I did not mention any names but will if this person would allow me to at the right time to the right people.



Greetings,

For some background.

I concieved of the tour with my good buddy Greg Feeler. Greg is once again on the board of the BMW MOA, when we came up with the tour he was the Rally Chair for the RA rally and I was the Co-Chair for Vermont. I am also the Secretary of the MOA.

The concept started as a good laugh over some beers. Actually we were drinking beers and shooting the breeze on the phone, if you know Greg you know a short phone call is about 90 minutes and can be great fun.

So here we are thinking about how we can take a little jab at this whole RA / MOA feud thing that nobody really understands in the first place and have some fun doing it. We were lamenting the fact that because of our respective roles we would miss some riding time and wouldn't it be great to be able to do the RA and MOA rallies with a stop in the Rockies along the way. We probably spent 30 minutes talking about all the great roads and places we would visit on such a ride, we even talked about how to enjoy the Tour du Corn (Kansas).

The idea was to come up with a name for a ride that would include the three events, jazz up with a sticker and call it a day. I originally wanted to call it the Rocky Green Potato Tour and have a goofy logo for the sticker.

I like stickers and if it was a cool enough design it would be a nice conversation piece leading to opportunities to meet other riders, As in "hey I see you have a Rocky Green Potato sticker on your bike", or folks might chat up their plans on the forum and meet along the way.

It was simply a vehicle for the RA and MOA to team up on something and for folks to have one more reason to interact with each other.

By the time we ran it up the flagpole of both clubs (each President thought it was a great idea, BTW) the name got changed to the Peaks of America.

We then thought it would be nice to have some sort of recognition for the ride, the sticker got bounced in favor of a pin. A nicer bit of swag but in retrospect I should have insisted on also having a sticker.

Our intent was simply to give the interested rider something to do and a tiny bit of recognition (the pin) for doing the tour. IIRC there was no entry fee, this was our attempt at a little gift for the rider who attended all three events.

It was never our intention to read all the names of riders who completed the tour at the closing ceremony. We did want to recognize the tour and set the stage for closer positive relations with the RA and the best way to do this was to honor the person who had the most tour miles so we could chat up the RA - MOA teamwork. in our community mileage is king so it was easy to do.

I am sincerely sorry if somewhere along the line you were given the impression that the POA was anything more than this. Personally I wish I could have done the ride myself, it was a rare situation where the planets align just so to give someone a chance to do three great rallies in three consecutive weekends all in phenominal locations. I don't see this happening again in a long time.

I hope you can enjoy your pin and keep it as a touchstone of what I hope was a great experience. I wish I earned one myself.

Best,

[RonB]

I did the POA Tour with no more intention than Rob and Greg had when they conceived the idea. The pin at the end was a nice idea but the ride with an opportunity to visit new areas of the country was the driving force. I was surprised when I saw advertisements for the tour in both the ON and OTL. In fact the most amazing thing was the long sleeve t-shirt I got at the end. It has MOA on one sleeve and RA on the other, something I thought I would never see. Thanks for the excuse to gather more memories.

[username]

personally, i think everyone should stand up and applaud greg and rob for coming up with the whole thing.

[kbasa]

There are no "higher ups". There are only members like you and me. Some possess temporary titles, but they are just regular members in spite of that. You want it different, you do it next time.

Bingo. I'm a member, just like everyone else. I just have more to do for the next little while.

[BeemoKat]

were the PERFECT time to take a shower. No waiting and plenty of hot water! :dance

[PacWestGS]

I did the POA Tour with no more intention than Rob and Greg had when they conceived the idea. The pin at the end was a nice idea but the ride with an opportunity to visit new areas of the country was the driving force. I was surprised when I saw advertisements for the tour in both the ON and OTL. In fact the most amazing thing was the long sleeve t-shirt I got at the end. It has MOA on one sleeve and RA on the other, something I thought I would never see. Thanks for the excuse to gather more memories.

DITTO :thumb


Whaaaaaaaaa Where'd you get the 'Long Sleeve' POA shirt Whaaaaaaaaa

Yep, just needed a good excuse (even a weak one would do)

Doc

[PacWestGS]

personally, i think everyone should stand up and applaud greg and rob for coming up with the whole thing.

Not only stood up, I seeked him (Greg) out and shook his hand. I'd have liked to have met Rob (Maybe I did, I don't remember)

But yes, thanks for the concept. (Don't want to take away from the thread) But, that's all I needed was a concept, the story of the trip and memories will last more than the pin or the t-shirt.

[tessler]

This is my favorite thread, ever.

:)

[SHAG]

I vote for a Do-Over in 2009! :hug I missed a few things & want to avoid a few others :nod

[Rollifahrer]

The more I come back to this thread, the more I suspect that if Ballen's name had been read among 125 others he would bitch that he wasn't asked to stand, if asked to stand, he'd want the spotlight, if he got the spotlight, he'd want to be on stage, if on stage he'd want the mike, then he'd want to repeat it for the other 125...but what would they want? How many have chimed in with thier dittos for Ballen?

A three-week bike trip! Doesn't that qualify for something like nirvana?

[ballen262]

Greetings,

Just so you know we gutted the closing ceremony because of the weather.

45 minutes before the ceremony we were discussing alternatives if we had to cancel. There were storm cells moving through the area with high winds, driving rain and lightning. One fallback was to simply stand up and call numbers, the other was to have a drawing at the office in St. Louis in a week and webcast it. We would have had to clear the grandstands if any of these cells were going to pass directly over the site; we had people monitoring weather radar and the facility had a local weather guy providing updates every five minutes.

We hacked a bunch of fluff and asked every presenter to keep it as brief as possible to give us the best shot at giving out all the grand prizes.

I am sorry all the folks who completed the POA tour were not recognized and thanked for participating. As the person who came up with the idea I would have liked it to get more attention, however knowing 160 or so people enjoyed the experience is plenty.

Thanks for riding the POA and thank you for joining us in Vermont.

Best,
Back on post 33 this is what you had stated robnye, and now you bring up on post 171 that would of been nice to read back on post 33 instead of post 171, in my opinion.

On my first post on this thread I asked someone to help me understand why it went the way it did, someone to explain why the POA was hyped up like it was if all you wanted to do is give a sticker away.

Because like I have said already if the POA web page said that is was going to give this "LITTLE PIEACE OF RECONITION AWAY", as you stated in post 171, and only ONE award was going to be given out, you where going to give a sticker away, and it was intended to be a tour to bring two clubs together that has had issues in the past, I would of just gone to Colorado, then to vermont and spent more time off the bike seeing things more instead of rushing to the next rally, mostly the leg to vermont from colorado was the leg I wanted to do the most as I have never been back east.

Then you said this in post 171 and you quote=
"""It was never our intention to read all the names of riders who completed the tour at the closing ceremony. We did want to recognize the tour and set the stage for closer positive relations with the RA and the best way to do this was to honor the person who had the most tour miles so we could chat up the RA - MOA teamwork."""" So why was it that it was never talked about in the RA rally, or Rockies rally, neither had a booth or anything for the ones doing it to get together as you stated to meet new and old friends????

Then your quote in post 171 you said, quote=
""""Our intent was simply to give the interested rider something to do and a tiny bit of recognition (the pin) for doing the tour. IIRC there was no entry fee, this was our attempt at a little gift for the rider who attended all three events.


But in the post of yours on 33 you said this quote=
""""I am sorry all the folks who completed the POA tour were not recognized and thanked for participating. As the person who came up with the idea I would have liked it to GET MORE ATTENTION, however knowing 160 or so people enjoyed the experience is plenty.""""

So in post 33 you admit that I was only talking about recognized by a show of hands or thanked, never did I say that my name needed to be said, someone else brought that part up, I only said the POA riders needed to be recognized as a whole not name by name.
And in post 33 you say you would of liked to recognized us being the one who brought it up, and I do feel many here feel just a show of hands would of been cool, stand up, what ever, so I could of looked around me to see who I could go meet and share experience with that did the POA.

I can appreciate all who have posted here and all the friends who have come in defence both for me and ones who put on the POA or who was involved with it, but so far no one beside 1 person has been willing to call or have me call them to learn a little of why or how things work here on the MOA and why the POA was done the way it was, why their has been conflict in the past with RA and the MOA, in which why the POA was done to try and bring two organizations together that has been apart.

But in the long run robnye you did say you would of liked to acknowledged the POA people and maybe they still will be later on, only the future will tell.

I enjoyed the challenge of going on the POA, it was more of an endurance ride for me, heat and all, and being the first time ever more than 1000 miles away from home on a bike solo at that, solo was scary as hell, one mistake and it could of gone bad, same for many here, and first rally's at that, and thanks robnye for your words, but it looks like it's going to be better to talk over the phone or face to face from this point, to many on here posting over and over again in this thread I started trying to find ways to shut me up with smart azz comments.

I out, may the bashing continue. :usa :lurk

[knary]

I like to ride. It's fun.

You came in swinging. Not asking questions, but swinging. And, from apparently most everyone's POV, swinging with a broken bat.

Would it have been better if those who participated got more recognition for how they spent their leisure time? Maybe. From where I'm sitting, the only needed recognition is your own pride of undertaking and completing a fun trip. No cancers were cured. No mighty records were set. No lives lost. No lives saved. It was a fun ride. Nothing more. Nothing less.

It sounds like it should've been a grand vacation. I hope you took some good photos.

p.s. my vacation was better.

http://knary.smugmug.com/photos/84333697-M.jpg

[Emoto]

Back on post 33 this is what you had stated robnye, and now you bring up on post 171 that would of been nice to read back on post 33 instead of post 171, in my opinion.

On my first post on this thread I asked someone to help me understand why it went the way it did, someone to explain why the POA was hyped up like it was if all you wanted to do is give a sticker away.

Because like I have said already if the POA web page said that is was going to give this "LITTLE PIEACE OF RECONITION AWAY", as you stated in post 171, and only ONE award was going to be given out, you where going to give a sticker away, and it was intended to be a tour to bring two clubs together that has had issues in the past, I would of just gone to Colorado, then to vermont and spent more time off the bike seeing things more instead of rushing to the next rally, mostly the leg to vermont from colorado was the leg I wanted to do the most as I have never been back east.

Then you said this in post 171 and you quote=
"""It was never our intention to read all the names of riders who completed the tour at the closing ceremony. We did want to recognize the tour and set the stage for closer positive relations with the RA and the best way to do this was to honor the person who had the most tour miles so we could chat up the RA - MOA teamwork."""" So why was it that it was never talked about in the RA rally, or Rockies rally, neither had a booth or anything for the ones doing it to get together as you stated to meet new and old friends????

Then your quote in post 171 you said, quote=
""""Our intent was simply to give the interested rider something to do and a tiny bit of recognition (the pin) for doing the tour. IIRC there was no entry fee, this was our attempt at a little gift for the rider who attended all three events.


But in the post of yours on 33 you said this quote=
""""I am sorry all the folks who completed the POA tour were not recognized and thanked for participating. As the person who came up with the idea I would have liked it to GET MORE ATTENTION, however knowing 160 or so people enjoyed the experience is plenty.""""

So in post 33 you admit that I was only talking about recognized by a show of hands or thanked, never did I say that my name needed to be said, someone else brought that part up, I only said the POA riders needed to be recognized as a whole not name by name.
And in post 33 you say you would of liked to recognized us being the one who brought it up, and I do feel many here feel just a show of hands would of been cool, stand up, what ever, so I could of looked around me to see who I could go meet and share experience with that did the POA.

I can appreciate all who have posted here and all the friends who have come in defence both for me and ones who put on the POA or who was involved with it, but so far no one beside 1 person has been willing to call or have me call them to learn a little of why or how things work here on the MOA and why the POA was done the way it was, why their has been conflict in the past with RA and the MOA, in which why the POA was done to try and bring two organizations together that has been apart.

But in the long run robnye you did say you would of liked to acknowledged the POA people and maybe they still will be later on, only the future will tell.

I enjoyed the challenge of going on the POA, it was more of an endurance ride for me, heat and all, and being the first time ever more than 1000 miles away from home on a bike solo at that, solo was scary as hell, one mistake and it could of gone bad, same for many here, and first rally's at that, and thanks robnye for your words, but it looks like it's going to be better to talk over the phone or face to face from this point, to many on here posting over and over again in this thread I started trying to find ways to shut me up with smart azz comments.

I out, may the bashing continue. :usa :lurk

At this point...

http://emoto.smugmug.com/photos/84641332-L.gif

[chasman]

Dittos to Emoto's last post! Don't give a damn. This dead horse has nothing left to beat. Send this one to the dog house PLEASE!

Ballen, go for a ride! Then post on the forum for more solicited recognition.


Riding Like the Wind (without need for recognition)...

CHASMAN #12106

Black '02 K12RS
Kinghts of the Roundel #333
Life Member NRA

[Emoto]

Hey Ballen, here's your chance! http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11875&page=2&pp=15

[Mika]

With apologies to Nancy Reagan for not being able to – Just Say No – to posting in this thread again, I saw Rob’s name while I was saying no yesterday and caved in today read the thread again and here I am.

What do you want now, at this time, Ballen262?

I have reread the thread and I am left wondering this. As the titular head of a group, or as an individual, what do you desire as an outcome at this point? I don’t get it at this time. This is a serious question, not an attempt at bashing. Please answer as simply as possible without rehashing the rhetoric from either side, we have been side lined in that for long enough.

Before you loose your audience or the thread tell us what do you desire as an outcome at this point?

To everyone else an observation: Perhaps some of us have become jaded at hearing about someone making their first long trip away from home. I made my first bike ride to the left coast on a Honda in the 70’s. Perhaps we are to accustomed to hearing joyous trip reports Made It to Alaska (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?p=139495#post139495) to appreciate how unnerving it can be to make your first extended solo ride. I guess I am willing to give the guy a break on that. Perhaps there is a leson to be learned by both sides in that thread.

[BMWGypsy]

You would think that if you advertise and hype up the peak tour you would at lease have the ones who did do the tour as little as their was to be able to do it, and have them stand and be recognized by it.


WAAAAAAAAAAAH...I didn't get recognized. Didn't you do it for the pure joy of doing it and the self-accomplishment? If not, you'd be better off bitching about the fact that the shirt wasn't proofed before printing. I'm sure if this was an MOA sanctioned event, the Board would be upset about printing OMA rather than MOA.

And, in case you didn't notice, it was pouring out. The ceremonies were pared down to minimum. They usually are a LOT longer and there is a lot more recognizing of people. The mileage/age/et al awards are a tradition that the powers that be felt should be presented despite the rain.

[knary]

WAAAAAAAAAAAH...I didn't get recognized. Didn't you do it for the pure joy of doing it and the self-accomplishment? If not, you'd be better off bitching about the fact that the shirt wasn't proofed before printing. I'm sure if this was an MOA sanctioned event, the Board would be upset about printing OMA rather than MOA.

The shirt said "OMA"? Where?

[BMWGypsy]

The shirt said "OMA"? Where?

Must confess, I didn't actually see it, but was told it had OMA rather than MOA as the third location on it.

'course, if you look at the MOA pin, it says Burilngton, rather than Burlington. Colector's item :)

[PacWestGS]

It says BMW RA - MBW MOA

I'm only happy to know I'm not alone in the world... Hehehe :D

[ballen262]

Hey Ballen, here's your chance! http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11875&page=2&pp=15
Ehomo, I am already two steps in the forward direction on this buddy, but do appreciate your helping me out, I have forward my thoughts onto the proper authorities.

And go take a road trip, looks like you need it with as much response I have had from you on this thread, but do appreciate your honesty.

Oh wait, looks like I need one too. :stick

[kbasa]

No name calling please. We don't go for that here.

Thanks.

[ballen262]

With apologies to Nancy Reagan for not being able to – Just Say No – to posting in this thread again, I saw Rob’s name while I was saying no yesterday and caved in today read the thread again and here I am.

What do you want now, at this time, Ballen262?

I have reread the thread and I am left wondering this. As the titular head of a group, or as an individual, what do you desire as an outcome at this point? I don’t get it at this time. This is a serious question, not an attempt at bashing. Please answer as simply as possible without rehashing the rhetoric from either side, we have been side lined in that for long enough.


OK well if ya must know, here it is where I am coming from that I do believe tons of you may like.

I don't believe we should let the POA fade away, lets look at what POA stands for.

Peak Of America tour.

Isn't this the reason we ride bikes, this peak tour was cool as hell, (besides the closing ceremonies and no one asked me to come to the stage and brag about it) :D

But I don't want the tour to die, I feel its something we should continue to have in the future, I believe very strongly that it can bring riders from all over young and old and this entire sport to a higher level.
As I was doing this tour tons of thoughts crossed my mind about future rallies, then when I didnt see alot of attention to this rally it really did suck.

Rallies are for coming together in one place, what we do in-between is the key issue to bring younger age groups into the sport.

Why??????? did only 160 pull off the POA???????

Another thought, we do this Iron butt tour, plus I hear of some others, but I have some ideas that I feel would make the MOA rally really increase in size, and even make them more enticing to be their, besides just getting a chance to win a free bike and some free stuff,,, and all the other stuff rallies bring.

I don't know, but I was taken in by the words given to the tour I did

"Peaks of America"
I can see something very big in the future for this type of tour, if given a chance to play out.

Bradfordben knows of what I am talking about and if he would like to elaborate on what am talking about go for it.

[ballen262]

No name calling please. We don't go for that here.

Thanks.
Sorry, shouldnt of used that dam spell check. :thumb

[BradfordBenn]

Bradfordben knows of what I am talking about and if he would like to elaborate on what am talking about go for it.

Yup, KBasa and I even spoke of it tonight, there are some good ideas coming out. More details to follow but Ballen came up with a pretty unique idea to encourage more riding.
:clap

[GSTom]

But I do know I dont need to pay a yearly fee to MOA and be apart of an organization that cant even take the time to recognize the ones who took 3 plus weeks, money, time away from family, time from work, to do a """""""ONCE IN A LIFETIME HYPED UP TRY AND GET PEOPLE TO MORE RALLYS TO GET YOU TO SPEND MONEY"""""
If all they said in the advertisement to this peak tour was to just get a pin, and that is it, then I would be ok with it

I would suggest to Mr. Ballen that he take his great exploits over to the LDRider list and post his great accomplishment of "X" thousand miles in 3 weeks and I imagine he will get all the recognition he desires for this feat.

Sarcasm off....
I enjoy signing up each year for one of the AMA Grand Tours that various organizations put on. The one I enjoyed most was the "I've Been Everywhere" tour put on by TeamStrange Airheads where you go to cities named in that oldies song. Others have included cities named after presidents, places named in the Bible, cities in the US named after European cities, smallest town in a state, etc. These are fun and challenging, and allow a rider to do as much above the minimum as desired. They are great to allow a rider to structure road trips to include some out-of-the-way destinations that might not otherwise be a part of your travels and see some things you might overlook otherwise.

The recognition? Usually a pin... perhaps a T-shirt..the "rally flag" to hang on your garage wall.. perhaps a drawing for some door prizes for finishers (I "won" a set of screwdrivers one year)... maybe your name on a website.

The satisfaction of finishing the minimum requirements and the memories of the various rides is worth the nominal entrance fee for these "Grand Tours". I don't think Ballen really "gets it" yet, but perhaps in the future he will. To borrow a tired cliche... its not the destination (or recognition) its the journey.

PS: I have "killed" many threads I have posted to. Hopefully I am on a roll and this thread will die with my post. Keeping my fingers crossed....

[ballen262]

Yup, KBasa and I even spoke of it tonight, there are some good ideas coming out. More details to follow but Ballen came up with a pretty unique idea to encourage more riding.
:clap
but don't tell everyone yet exactly what I proposed, better to talk about it with the directors first and get it looked at by the higher ups.

I am ready to push the selling part of it brad, so keep me posted.

[Mika]

Okay so I live in the state of confusion most of my life and post 194 did not do much to answer my question. Post 196 tells me there is some talking going on where it could do some good. In the end that is the outcome I would seek.

Good luck to all and a good night.

[Emoto]

Ehomo, I am already two steps in the forward direction on this buddy, but do appreciate your helping me out, I have forward my thoughts onto the proper authorities.

And go take a road trip, looks like you need it with as much response I have had from you on this thread, but do appreciate your honesty.

Oh wait, looks like I need one too. :stick

http://emoto.smugmug.com/photos/76726063-L.jpg

And to think I took it easy on you out of an apparently misguided desire to be nice to a fellow club member. :brow

[knary]

It says BMW RA - MBW MOA

I'm only happy to know I'm not alone in the world... Hehehe :D

Where? Sleeve? Front? Back?

[PacWestGS]

Where? Sleeve? Front? Back?


Front

[knary]

Front

Just so long as it was fine in the back medallion and the pin. :D

[ballen262]

http://emoto.smugmug.com/photos/76726063-L.jpg

And to think I took it easy on you out of an apparently misguided desire to be nice to a fellow club member. :brow
OK OK OK if we meet then I will owe you a drink. :usa easy on me I'm only an American.

Dont be easy on me, that could be bad.
I only came here to state my opinion, opinion at that was what it was, my opinion.

But I promise that I will do my part as a member and eat my wheaties before I go ride.

Oh by the way I never take anything in a 4M personally.
As you cant express emotion when you type words, they can be taken to many different ways.

If I was to meet anyone on here I would buy ya all a beer and kick back and try and figure a way to get more miles on my bike.

Obvious that would take alot of time, as its hard to get the wife to let me go sometimes.

[ballen262]

I believe its bad luck to have a thread bust over 200 replies and continue it, so this will be my last post on this one, and I am going to push my energy to see what I guess I can do to make a diffrence if any.

I have learned tons from everyone posts, and thanks again for everyone's input to help, and input to be funny, and constructive criticism from others to me.

I still believe the POA should of been recognized more than it was at the ceremonies, but due to rain that came washed it away I guess, but that is in the eye of the beholder I feel.

What the future may bring could be better than the closing ceremonies, who knows, I will not apologize for bringing up an issue the way I did based on the way I feel, all I can do is look forward and pass on my thoughts to maybe help the ones behind me looking to get in one day to this sport.

But After all is said and done my main goal is to enjoy the sport, and put in my fair share effort like everyone should do.

See even a old fart like me can learn. :bikes
Now its time to work on this idea I have.

Time to drop, nuf said.

[BradfordBenn]

See even a old fart like me can learn. :bikes
Now its time to work on this idea I have.

Time to drop, nuf said.

I hate to tell you this, but you ain't an old fart
:nyah

[Mika]

Would you two wipper snappers shut up. I am middle aged around here and you are both younger than me. So if any of the three of us is going to fart around here it is going to be me. :fart Or the next guy who is willing to admit to being older than the three of us. Now I gotta go... :bolt

[ksmith57]

I hear what your saying and after 700K miles over 29 years, i've never had the oppertunity to stay on the road 3 weeks (longest was 17 days 6900 miles), you are one lucky dude. Trust me the enjoyment of the ride/fellowship will last for years, stories you'll tell etc...

Wear the pin proudly...and share the good times...

KSmith